Laserfiche WebLink
0 <br />DAMERON HOSPITAL ASSOCIATION <br />525 WEST ACACIA STREET <br />STOCKTON, CALIFORNIA <br />95203 <br />0 <br />Infection Control Committee <br />Policy/Procedure <br />Universal/Barrier Precautions <br />I. Policy <br />In order to protect the health care worker from exposure to <br />infectious agents, appropriate barrier precautions will be <br />utilized to prevent direct contact with body substances <br />(blood, body fluids, excretions and secretions). Universal <br />precautions refers to protection against any blood or body <br />fluid which may contain a bloodborne pathogen such as the <br />hepatitis B and human immunodeficiency viruses, namely: blood, <br />semen, vaginal secretions, cerebrospinal fluid, synovial <br />fluid, pleural fluid, pericardial fluid, peritoneal fluid, <br />amniotic fluid, unfixed tissues, saliva in dental procedures, <br />and any body substance that is visibly contaminated with <br />blood. Barrier precautions refers to protection (with the use <br />of barriers) to bloodborne pathogens and other infectious <br />agents which may be found in any other body substance (i.e. <br />sputum, stool, etc.) By definition, barrier precautions <br />exceeds universal precautions. <br />II. Procedure <br />A. Caution will be taken to minimize aerosolization and <br />splattering of body substances. <br />B. Gloves will be worn as per existing Wearing Glove <br />Policy. <br />C. Gowns will be worn when soilage with body <br />substances is likely to occur. An impervious gown <br />will be worn if the body substances are in large <br />quantity and are likely to get clothing wet. <br />D. If clothing or a covering is penetrated by blood <br />or other body substance, the garment shall be <br />immediately removed and properly bagged for disposal <br />or decontamination. <br />E. Surgical caps or hoods and/or shoe covers shall <br />be worn in instances when gross contamination is <br />anticipated. <br />F. Masks will be worn when a patient is coughing <br />productively and will not reliably cover his mouth; <br />this is regardless of the presence or absence of an <br />infectious disease. <br />G. Masks and eye protection (safety glasses, <br />goggles, or prescription full -rimmed glasses with <br />solid side shields) or chin -length face shields will <br />be worn when aerosolization or splashes are likely to <br />occur; these precautions will be taken by employees <br />performing or assisting in invasive procedures such <br />as G.I. endoscopy, bronchoscopy, endotracheal <br />intubation, extubation, obstetrical and surgical <br />procedures and suctioning. <br />