What are the six points at which the chain of infection can be broken?
No matter the germ, there are six points at which the chain can be broken and a germ can be stopped from infecting another person. The six links include: the infectious agent, reservoir, portal of exit, mode of transmission, portal of entry, and susceptible host.
What is the most common infection transmitted to healthcare workers?
The most frequently encountered pathogens were hepatitis B virus, Staphylococcus aureus, and Streptococcus pyogenes. In general, the most important infection prevention measure is adequate hand hygiene.
Which of the following would be an example of disease transmission?
Direct contact infections spread when disease-causing microorganisms pass from the infected person to the healthy person via direct physical contact with blood or body fluids. Examples of direct contact are touching, kissing, sexual contact, contact with oral secretions, or contact with body lesions.
What are the potential sources of infection in a workplace?
Blood and other body fluids (e.g. saliva) and sources of blood/body fluids such as human bodies, animal carcases and raw meat.
Who is responsible for infection prevention and control in a healthcare setting?
An Infection Prevention and Control Lead (IPC Lead) is a person who has completed a professional training course that allows them to take responsibility for preventing and controlling infection in a healthcare setting.
Which healthcare providers should use standard precautions?
Standard Precautions are the basic steps used to stop the spread of pathogens (organisms that can cause disease). Standard Precautions should be used by all healthcare providers with every patient, in all patient care settings.
Which three infectious diseases are major risks for healthcare professionals?
Healthcare workers have a high risk of contact with infectious agents due to the various types of activities involved with their jobs and the possibilities of contamination.
- Bloodborne Pathogens (BBP): HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C.
- Influenza (FLU)
- Ebola.
- Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)
What is the purpose of an infection risk assessment?
An infection risk assessment considers potential hazards and prioritizes them to better guide goal-setting and strategy development. To understand which risks pose the greatest threats to your facility, you must assess your current operations.
What causes the spread of diseases?
Infectious diseases commonly spread through the direct transfer of bacteria, viruses or other germs from one person to another. This can happen when an individual with the bacterium or virus touches, kisses, or coughs or sneezes on someone who isn’t infected.
Who is responsible for infection control in the workplace?
We are all responsible for the prevention and control of infection. The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 puts a general duty on an employer to protect the health and safety of employees. However, staff will also have a duty to comply with infection control procedures and take appropriate action to protect themselves.