Page 5 - THE FIRST DAY OF PHLEBOTOMY FREE

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Medical Asepsis
Best defined as “the destruction of pathogenic microorganisms after they leave the body.” It also
involves environmental hygiene measures such as equipment cleaning and disinfection procedures.
Methods of medical asepsis are Standard Precautions (clean procedure) and transmission-based
Precautions (Sterile procedure)

LEVELS OF DECONTAMINATION
Sanitizing Disinfecting Sterilizing
• Lowest level to make • Intermediate level • Highest level
clean and hygienic • Requires the use of a • Used on instruments,
• Requires detergents chemical. requires all levels of
(plain soap) • Bleach 10% decontamination.
• Healthcare provider • Microbial wipes • Autoclave (steam)
must wash their hands • Kills viruses, spores,
for 15 seconds some bacterial spores
The least expensive and most readily available disinfectant for surfaces such as countertops is a 1:10
solution of household bleach

Handwashing
Hand washing is the most important means of preventing the spread of infection. A routine hand wash
procedure uses plain soap to remove soil and transient bacteria. Hand antisepsis requires the use of
antimicrobial soap to remove, kill or inhibit transient microorganisms. It is important that all healthcare
personnel learn proper handwashing procedures.
Remember to wash your hands before and after each patient for 15 seconds!

Barrier Protection
Protective clothing provides a barrier against infection. Used properly, it will provide
protection to the person wearing it; disposed of properly it will assist in the spread of
infection. Learning how to put on and remove protective clothing is vital to ensure the
health and wellness of the person wearing the PPE.

Personal protective equipment also known as PPE includes:
PPE Protect from:
Hair Cap Hair falling into infected area, splashes
Face shield, goggles Splashes into eyes, face or nose.
Respirator mask Protects from airborne infections and
N95(Niosh N95) hazardous substances such as Mycobacterium
Tuberculosis (TB), pertussis (whooping cough
highly contagious), cough, and sneezes
Gown, lab jacket Contact infection, body fluids, and accidental
spills.
Face mask Protects from droplets: cough and sneezes
Gloves Prevents the spread of infection

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