1. ORPs Educational Programme
Presentation : Asepsis & Infection Control
Fascinator : Haroon Isaac
Date of Presentation : February 06, 2013
Day & Time : Wednesday @ 08:30 am
“Asepsis and Infection Control”
ASEPSIS:
The absence of bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms.
OR
The exclusion of bacteria and other microorganisms, typically during
surgery.
OR
Asepsis is the state of being free from disease-causing contaminants (such
as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites) or preventing contact with
microorganisms.
The term asepsis often refers to those practices used to promote or induce asepsis
in an operative field in surgery or medicine to prevent infection.
However,
Elimination of infection is the goal of asepsis, not sterility.
INFECTION CONTROL
“Infection Control is the discipline concerned with preventing nosocomial or
healthcare associated infection OR Infection Prevention & Control is
about preventing infections particularly those that are associated with health
care”.
We all have a part to play in controlling infection.

2. (Page # 02)
CAUSE:
Infections are caused by bacteria, fungi or viruses entering the body. They can be
minor & stay in one area, like a boil or wound, or they can spread throughout the
body, like Flu or a blood stream infection. Often, infections are easily dealt with,
but sometimes they can cause serious problems.
OUR COMMITMENT:
Healthcare takes preventing, minimizing & controlling the risk of healthcare
associated infection to patients/staff/visitors & carers very seriously.
Ways in which we do this include:
Education & training in infection control for all staff employed
Staff using good hand washing technique or using alcohol handrubs
The use of disposable aprons & gloves
Infection diseases are a major risk to patients, visitors and staff. Infectious diseases can spread
through direct contact or air. For example, a person can get infected if disease-causing
organisms enter his or her bloodstream through a small cut or puncture wound or are breathed
in or ingested.
WHAT ARE BLOOD-BORNE PATHOGENS?
Blood-borne pathogens are micro-organisms (germs) that are present in blood and certain body
fluids of an infected person. They can be transmitted from one person to another and cause
disease. These include Hepatitis B Virus (HBV), Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) and Human
Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), as well as pathogens. Exposure to a blood-borne pathogen is a
risk for faculty and staff of health-care facilities.
HOW CAN YOU BECOME INFECTED?
HBV, HCV and HIV are transmitted through these mechanisms:
Puncture with sharp objects
Blood or body fluid splash, spray, or droplet to mucous membranes (eyes,nise,mouth)
Contact with non-intact skin
Sexual contact
Mother to child

3. (Page # 03)
Universal Precautions
Follow3ing standard –Universal precaution means blood and body fluid tom all
patients must be handled as if they were infected with a blood borne pathogen.
Wash your hands at the following times:
 Between patient contacts
 After removing personal protective attire
 Before leaving the operating room
 After contact with blood / body fluids
 After handling of contaminated items
 Before & after eating
Proper method for washing hands:
 Use appropriate scrubbing soap
 Use running water
 Use 07-10 seconds of friction
 Dry your hands with a paper towel
Wear gloves when expecting to do the following:
 Touch items or surfaces contaminated with blood or other fluids
 Handle blood or other body fluids specimens
 Come in contact with patients open skin lesions
 Perform vascular access procedures
 Obtaining a blood sample
 Insertion of an IV
Always wash hands after removing gloves:
 Wear a face shield or a combination of a facemask and protective eyewear when
your job puts you at risk of splash, spray, or droplet exposure to the face

4. (Page # 04)
 Wear protective clothing such as an apron or other barrier gown when personal
clothing is likely to become soiled. The type of protection depends on the task
and risk involved
 If protective clothing / equipment is penetrated by blood or body fluid, remove it
as soon as possible
 Remove & dispose of protective attire immediately after use by placing it in
designated containers
Needle Stick Injuries (NSI) / Sharps Injury:
Steps to be followed after NSI:
Press & bleed the injured area
Wash the injured site with soap & water, dry & cover with saniplast
Note patient’s name & MR#
Fill the needle prick injury form
Contact Infection Control Office/Name on Ext. # ______ / ______ during weekdays.
On weekends / public holidays, contact Nursing Supervisor on Ext. # ______.
Mucosal Exposures to blood and body fluids:
Steps to be followed after mucosal exposure:
If eyes are contaminated, rinse gently while open with tap water or saline solution
If blood gets into the mouth, spit it out & them rinse mouth with water several times
Note patients’ name & MR.# & infectious status
Fill the needle prick injury form
Contact Infection Control Office/Name on Ext. # ______ / ______ during weekdays.
On weekends / public holidays, contact Nursing Supervisor on Ext. # ______.
THANKS