Infections

Significant morbidity and mortality is caused by healthcare-acquired infections (HAIs), including surgical site infections (SSIs), ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP), catheter-related bloodstream infections (CRBSIs), catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs) and other healthcare-related infections and conditions caused by drug-resistant pathogens that jeopardize patient safety.

New Technologies in Handwash Products

New Technologies in Handwash Products By Lisa S. Higa The job of handwashing agents is a dual one. Agents must loosen and kill microbes while preserving the skin's integrity. To assist in this goal, a number of handwash products are available. Since many new handwashing ...More
August 1, 2000
Posted in Articles, Hand Hygiene
Infection Control Today - 08/2000: Safety First: Read, Heed Labels

Safety First: Read, Heed Labels Cleaning Product Labels Are More than Just Words By Janet B. Kreizman Cleaning product labels are the guidelines for the optimal and safe use of products. The role of manufactured cleaning products and disinfectants in controlling and ...More
August 1, 2000
Posted in Articles
Sepsis Treatment Clinical Trial Stopped

Results Provide Hope ...More
July 5, 2000
Posted in News
Housekeeping Surfaces

Emergency Room Clean Up by Karen R. Vallejo, RN, BSN, CIC Photo courtesy of ER at NW Community Hospital (Arlington Heights, Ill).The methods of handling, transporting, and laundering of soiled linen are determined by hospital policy and any applicable regulations. Recent ...More
July 1, 2000
Posted in Articles, Disinfection & Sterilization, Environmental Hygiene
Preventing Infection Through Handwashing

Preventing Infection Through Handwashing By Ruth LeTexier, RN, BSN, PHN This article: Discusses handwashing solutions for antibiotic-resistant organisms. Lists strategies for effective hand hygiene. Provides an overview of CDC recommendations for handwashing. In the ...More
July 1, 2000
Posted in Articles, Environmental Hygiene, Hand Hygiene, PPE & Standard Precautions
Infection Control Today - 07/2000: Event-Related Sterility: Then and Now

Event-Related Sterility: Then and Now by Connie Cutler, RN, MS, CIC Storing sterile packs. Did you ever hear the one about sterile items discovered 50 years after World War II? The story goes that a nurse found gauze and bandages wrapped in muslin in the basement of a ...More
July 1, 2000
Posted in Articles, Disinfection & Sterilization
Handwashing: Breaking the Chain of Infection

Handwashing: Breaking the Chain of Infection By Amy Walker Barrs This article: reviews APIC handwashing guidelines. discusses the role of gloves in handwashing. lists strategies for combating dry skin. Many people consider handwashing to be a matter of common sense when it ...More
July 1, 2000
Posted in Articles, Environmental Hygiene, Hand Hygiene, PPE & Standard Precautions
How Can VRE Infections Be Prevented in Surgery?

How Can VRE Infections Be Prevented in Surgery? By Pamela S. Falk, MPH This article discusses strategies for preventing and controlling VRE. Photo courtesy of Surgery at NW Community Hospital (Arlington Heights, Ill). The first infections due to vancomycin-resistant ...More
July 1, 2000
Posted in Articles
Technological Advances in Lighting and Booms for the OR: Impact on Infection Controland OR Efficiency

Technological Advances in Lighting and Booms for the OR: Impact on Infection Control and OR Efficiency By Annette C. Johnson, RN, BSN, CNOR Photo courtesty of Berchtold Recent technological advancements applied to the design and application of power booms and overhead ...More
July 1, 2000
Posted in Articles
The Infection Control Committee

The Infection Control Committee Farrah Lee, BSN, and Natalie Lind, ACE This article: Defines the role of the Infection Control Committee. Identifies the tools used to ensure patient and employee safety. Lists common responsibilities of the Infection Control Committee. For ...More
June 1, 2000
Posted in Articles