04 Universal precaution_ infection prevention

1. Universal Precautions in Infection
Prevention
Managing Complications in Pregnancy and Childbirth

2. 2 Infection Prevention
Session Objectives
To discuss essential elements of universal precautions for infection
prevention in emergency obstetric care
To discuss best universal precaution practices in emergency obstetric
care

3. 3 Infection Prevention
Universal Precautions in Infection
Prevention: Objectives
To prevent major infections when providing services
To minimize the risk of transmitting serious infections (e.g., hepatitis
B and C and HIV) from or to:
Clients
Healthcare providers
Other staff, including cleaning and housekeeping personnel

4. 4 Infection Prevention
Basic Principles in Universal Precautions
Consider every person (client or staff) potentially infectious
Wash hands, the most practical procedure for preventing cross-
contamination (person to person)
Wear gloves before touching:
Anything wet
–Broken skin
–Mucous membranes
–Blood or other body fluids (secretions or excretions)
Soiled instruments and other items

5. 5 Infection Prevention
Basic Principles in Universal Precautions
(continued)
Use physical barriers (protective goggles, face masks and aprons) if
splashes and spills of any body fluids (secretions or excretions) are
anticipated
Use safe work practices:
Do not recap or bend needles
Pass sharp instruments safely
Dispose of medical waste properly
Isolate patients only if secretions (airborne) or excretions (urine or
feces) cannot be contained
Process instruments and other items using recommended infection
prevention practices

6. 6 Infection Prevention
Handwashing
Handwashing may be the single most important procedure in
preventing infection
Wash hands:
Before and after examining any client (direct contact)
After removing gloves because gloves may have holes in them
After exposure to blood or any body fluids (secretions or
excretions), even if gloves were worn

7. 7 Infection Prevention
Routine Handwashing
Steps:
Use a plain or antiseptic soap
Vigorously rub lathered hands together for 10 to 15 seconds
Rinse with clean running water from a tap or bucket
Dry hands with a clean towel or air dry them

8. 8 Infection Prevention
Protective Barriers
Wear gloves:
When performing a procedure in the clinic or operating room
When handling soiled instruments, gloves and other items
When disposing of contaminated waste items (cotton, gauze or
dressings)
Use a separate pair of gloves for each woman to avoid cross
contamination

9. 9 Infection Prevention
Protective Barriers (continued)
Wear protective goggles, face masks and aprons:
During all childbirths
If splashes and spills of any body fluids are likely

10. 10 Infection Prevention
Handling Sharp Instruments and Needles
Leave sharp instruments or needles only in “safe zones”
Tell other workers before passing sharps
Use each needle and syringe only once
Do not recap, bend or break needles before disposal
Dispose of needles and syringes in a puncture-proof container

11. 11 Infection Prevention
Safe Waste Disposal: Objectives
To prevent spread of infection to clinic personnel who handle waste
To prevent spread of infection to local community
To protect those who handle waste from accidental injury

12. 12 Infection Prevention
Safe Waste Disposal: Practices
Wear utility gloves while handling contaminated waste
Place contaminated items (gauze or cotton) in leakproof covered
containers or plastic bag
Dispose of all sharp items in puncture-proof containers
Dispose of contaminated solid waste by incineration or burial
Wash hands, gloves and containers after disposal of infectious waste

13. 13 Infection Prevention
References
EngenderHealth. 2000. Infection Prevention: a reference booklet for
health care providers. EngenderHealth: New York.