Infection Control Today Magazine

PPE & Standard Precautions

Proper donning, wearing and doffing of personal protective equipment (PPE) is essential for barrier protection for healthcare workers and patients exposed to potential transmission of pathogenic organisms. Standard Precautions, including Transmission-Based Precautions and Contact Precautions, are used in the healthcare setting for patients with documented or suspected colonization or infection with highly transmissible or epidemiologically important pathogens.

Management of Patients with Highly Infectious Diseases is Merely Adequate, European Study Says

In emergency and medical admission departments (EDs and MADs), prompt recognition and appropriate infection control management of patients with highly infectious diseases (e.g. viral hemorrhagic fevers and SARS) are fundamental for avoiding nosocomial outbreaks. The ...More
2 days ago
Posted in News, PPE & Standard Precautions
Researchers Study Use of Masks and Hand Hygiene to Prevent Flu Transmission in Households

Previous controlled studies on the effect of non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPI), namely the use of facemasks and intensified hand hygiene, in preventing household transmission of influenza have not produced definitive results, according to Thorsten Suess, of the ...More
2 days ago
Posted in News, Hand Hygiene, PPE & Standard Precautions
Needlestick Safety Remains a Concern for Healthcare Professionals

Despite legislation and continued focus across the U.S. to improve sharps safety, needlestick injuries (NSIs) resulting in the exposure to infectious disease continue to be a major issue facing all healthcare professionals. Lynn Hadaway, MEd, RN, BC, CRNI, who has more than ...More
2 days ago
Posted in News, PPE & Standard Precautions
Cardinal Health Awarded AORN Seal of Recognition for Education Quality

The Association of periOperative Registered Nurses (AORN) has awarded the AORN Seal of Recognition™ to education materials developed by Cardinal Health. "Behind the Mask: Your Complete Guide to Facial Protection, produced by Cardinal Health, is an educational program to ...More
2 days ago
Posted in News, PPE & Standard Precautions
Cardinal Health Introduces Smart-Seal Surgical Mask

Cardinal Health announces the availability of its Smart-Seal™ surgical mask, designed to enhance fit and help reduce fog on eyewear. The mask is the company’s latest addition to its facial protection portfolio and leverages the key design features of the company’s ...More
2 weeks ago
Posted in News, PPE & Standard Precautions
Pairing Masks and Handwashing Could Drastically Slow Spread of Pandemic Flu

Masks and hand hygiene could cut the spread of flu-like symptoms up to 75 percent, a University of Michigan study found. ...More
2 weeks ago
Posted in News, Hand Hygiene, PPE & Standard Precautions
Glove Designed to Protect Sterile Processing Personnel

PolyCo USA, manufacturers of disposable and limited-use protective wear for healthcare and industry, introduces the VR Decontamination Glove designed for the protection of sterile processing personnel. Made from a unique combination of 8 mil nitrile gloves and PolyCo’s ...More
3 weeks ago
Posted in News, PPE & Standard Precautions
Encompass Introduces Embrace Patient Gowns with Wrap-around Coverage

Encompass® introduces Embrace™ patient gowns. Designed with wrap-around coverage for patient dignity and comfort, plus ease of access for medical professionals, these gowns are a revolutionary step forward in patient gown design. For decades, patients have complained about ...More
3 weeks ago
Posted in News, PPE & Standard Precautions
Study Suggests Use of Antimicrobial Scrubs May Reduce Bacterial Burden on Healthcare Worker Apparel

The use of antimicrobial-impregnated scrubs combined with good hand hygiene is effective in reducing the burden of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) on healthcare workers’ apparel and may potentially play a role in decreasing the risk of MRSA transmission ...More
3 weeks ago
Posted in News, Hand Hygiene, PPE & Standard Precautions
NFID Emphasizes Importance of Flu Etiquette

During flu season, when fever, aches, and chills hit, it is easy to forget one's manners. A recent survey of more than 1,000 Americans found that 64 percent of those who had influenza in the past three years admit to being "That Guy," who despite experiencing flu symptoms, ...More
4 weeks ago
Posted in News, PPE & Standard Precautions