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Category: Standard Precautions

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Aseptic Technique

What Is It? The aseptic technique is an important patient safety strategy and a key element of standard precautions. The aseptic technique is a set of practices that protect residents from healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) and protects healthcare workers from contact with blood, body fluid, and body tissue. When performed correctly...

Hand Care

What Is It? Intact skin is a natural defense against infection, so having cuts and abrasions reduce the effectiveness of hand hygiene practices. Breaks or skin lesions are possible sources of entry for infectious agents and may also be a source of infection.  Important Points To Remember Check your skin...

Single-Use Equipment

What Is It? Single-use equipment minimises the risks of cross-infection. Many medical devices are difficult to reprocess and render safe for use on another person. The manufacturer labels these devices as 'single-use,' and they cannot be reused in any way.  A single-use device is used on an individual patient during a single...

Storage of Vaccines

What Is It? Vaccines are fragile, biological substances. They can become less effective, more dangerous, or even destroyed if exposed to temperatures outside the recommended storage range - between +2°C and +8°C. This 'cold chain' begins when the vaccine is made and ends when the vaccine is administered.  In order to ensure...

Storage of Sterile Goods

What Is It? Clinical supplies, including sterile items, must be stored and handled to maintain the integrity of packaging and prevent contamination from any source. All sterile items must be stored in a designated area and handled in accordance with legislation.  Any item found to be incorrectly wrapped, damaged, already opened,...