On the Other Hand...
Most effective way to prevent the spread of infections.
What is hand hygiene?
Process that destroys all microbial life.
What is sterilization?
The frequency for cleaning and disinfecting high-touch surfaces.
What is on a regular basis (and more frequently in high-traffic areas)?
The first step in removing contaminants from a reusable instrument, performed immediately after use.
What is point-of-use cleaning?
The type of precautions used for all patients, regardless of their diagnosis.
What are standard precautions?
Recommended duration for an alcohol-based hand rub.
What is at least 20 seconds?
This level of disinfection is used for semi-critical items that come into contact with mucous membranes.
What is high-level disinfection?
This is used to manage the flow of people and supplies to reduce the risk of infection.
What is traffic control?
This is prevented from drying on instruments by point-of-use cleaning, making final sterilization much more effective.
What is bioburden?
This type of precaution is required for patients with illnesses spread by touch, such as C. difficile or MRSA,
What are contact precautions?
Required before and after any direct contact with a patient.
What is performing hand hygiene?
This should be checked on disinfectants to ensure they are effective.
What is the expiration date?
This should be in place to manage medical waste.
What is a waste management plan?
For instruments with channels or lumens, this action is a critical part of point-of-use cleaning.
What is flushing or irrigating the lumen?
The type of precautions that require a mask to be worn when within three feet of the patient.
What are droplet precautions?
Fingernails should be kept to this length to ensure effective hand hygiene.
What is less than one-quarter inch?
Process used to ensure that sterile items are not compromised.
What is proper storage and handling?
This is used to maintain air quality and reduce the risk of airborne infections.
What are proper ventilation and air filtration systems?
This simple tool is used at the point of use to wipe away gross soil from instruments.
What is a disposable cloth or sponge moistened with water?
The type of precautions that require a special respirator mask.
What are airborne precautions?
Component of hand hygiene that is required when hands are visibly soiled.
What is washing with soap and water?
This type of monitoring is used to verify the effectiveness of the sterilization process.
What is biological monitoring?
The term for a room designed to contain airborne contaminants.
What is a negative pressure room?
According to The Joint Commission and AAMI standards, this person is responsible for initiating the cleaning process at the point of use.
Who is the user of the instrument?
Required for protection against diseases like tuberculosis or measles.
What is an N95 respirator?