Infection Prevention

SectionІІ:

Overview of infection prevention for general clinical practice:

According to Tietjen 2008, microorganisms are the causative agents of infection. They include bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. In the context of infection prevention, bacteria can be further divided into three categories: vegetative (e.g., staphylococcus), mycobacteria (e.g., tuberculosis), and endospores (e.g., tetanus), which are the most difficult to kill.

He also added that asepsis or aseptic technique is a general term used to describe the combination of efforts made to prevent entry of microorganisms into any area of the body where they are likely to cause infection. The goal of asepsis is to reduce to a safe level, or eliminate, the number of microorganisms

Based on Trussell 2009, protective barriers are physical, mechanical, or chemical processes that help prevent the spread of infectious microorganisms from client to client, clinic staff to client, and client to staff. Also added that infection prevention often relies on placing such barriers between the microorganism and the individual. Examples of protective barriers include: handwashing, wearing gloves, using antiseptic solutions, and processing instruments and other items as described

Use antiseptic agents for cleansing skin or mucous membranes before surgery, cleaning wounds, or doing handrubs or surgical handscrubs with an alcohol-based antiseptic product.

Use safe work practices such as not recapping or bending needles, safely passing sharp instruments, and suturing (when appropriate) with blunt needles.

Safely dispose of infectious waste materials to protect those who handle them and prevent injury or spread of infection to the community.

Infection control measures in family planning unit

The consistent use of recommended infection prevention practices is

A critical component of quality health services, as well as a basic right of every patient, client, or staff member in a health care setting.

Although there is only a minimal risk of infection associated with IUD use, studies have shown that it is often related to the insertion procedure (ARHP 2008), rather than to the IUD itself. When the procedure is performed correctly, however, and in accordance with the recommended infection prevention practices, the rate of infection following IUD insertion is very low—less than 1%. (McIntosh