Importance Of Infection Control

Infection control is very important to minimise cross infection of Micro-organisms. Many micro-organisms are good for us and are essential for life, such as bacteria in the intestine which helps break down food waste matter. However, when a micro-organism is capable of doing harm it is said to be pathogenic. There are four main micro -organisms that cause disease, these include, Viruses, Bacteria, Fungi, and Protozoa.

Personal Protective Equipment (P.P.E) can act as a barrier to protect you against infectious material. P.P.E is also useful to protect not only you but also the recipient, especially if they have an immunity suppressed condition. P.P.E includes Gloves, Gowns, Aprons, Masks, Shoe covers and Eye goggles. Gloves should be used when

This extra barrier of protection is important because cleaning with soap and water is insufficient and will only remove visible dirt and only partial germs. One of the important duties of the vet nurse/ assistants is to keep a high level of hygiene within the surgery; you should always follow a clean to dirty rule when cleaning and clean/tidy up as you go. All sinks should be cleaned thoroughly each morning and clean cloths/towels provided, Floors of the consulting rooms and waiting room should be thoroughly swept and mopped before and after each surgery to minimise infections, examination tables should be sprayed with an anti-bacterial solution between patients, Kennels should be cleaned and sprayed with disinfectants after every patient, bedding should be shaken free of dust and hair before washing at the highest temperature in the washing machine in order to destroy any harmful pathogens, Items that have be heavily contaminated should be discarded. Nurses/assistants are also responsible for cleaning medical kits and drapes, these not only need to be cleaned thoroughly to remove any blood and tissue debris but also require to be sterilised using an Autoclave, this is the most common method of sterilizing kits ( Autoclaving is the process used to destroy all micro-organisms and infectious bio waste. Autoclaving promotes

Correct hand washing should only take 15 seconds. A good antiseptic soap can be used. Remove all jewellery and watches, keep all nails clean and short, Wet hand in hot running water, Apply enough soap to your hands, Rub palm to palm, Right palm over the back of the other hand with interlaced fingers, Palm to palm with fingers interlaced, Back of fingers to opposing palms-fingers interlocked, Rotating rubbing of left thumb clasped in right hand – repeat with rubbing of right thumb in left hand, Rotationally rubbing backwards and forwards with clasped fingers of right hand in left hand then vice-versa, Remember to rub wrists against each other , rinse well under hot water and finally dry with disposable hand