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Category: Transmission-based Precautions

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PPE when taking a PCR Test

A polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test detects genetic material from a pathogen or abnormal cell.  Samples for testing can be nasal swab, saliva swab or blood test.   Nasal PCR swab tests are commonly used to check for COVID-19 but can also be used to test for influenza or RSV.  Whatever the...

Managing Residents in Isolation

Requirements for isolation must be communicated to the resident, their representative/family, and all employees. The following procedures should also be followed Signs are to be placed outside the room Alert those entering to check with healthcare workers before entering Catering employees are not to enter the room; a healthcare employee...

Isolating Care Recipients

Isolation may be used in addition to transmission-based and standard precautions where the suspected or confirmed presence of infectious agents represents an increased risk of transmission. As isolation may be stressful and demoralising for the resident, explaining why it is required is essential. Isolation Checklist Several questions must be asked...

Using PPE in Isolation Rooms

Isolation of a resident will require a combination of measures used in transmission-based precautions depending on the route(s) of transmission of the infectious agent involved. This includes the appropriate use of personal protective equipment (PPE), consisting of gloves, apron or gowns, surgical or high filtration masks, and protective eyewear. High...

Contact Precautions

What is it?  Contact is the most common transmission mode and usually involves transmission by touch or contact with blood or bodily substances.  Contact may be direct or indirect Direct contact occurs when infectious agents are transferred from one person to another. For example, a resident's blood enters a healthcare...

Applying Transmission-Based Precautions

When an infection or potential risk has been identified, a risk assessment should be completed to assist with identifying precautions to be implemented. The risk assessment should be regularly reviewed and updated, and precautions adjusted, if necessary, during the infectious period. These additional precautions should be tailored to the infectious...