Transporting and Processing Contaminated Critical and Semi-critical Patient-care Items

One of the overlooked areas is the handling of contaminated critical and semi-critical patient care items after a procedure. This is where the DHCP collects the contaminated material from the operatory for cleaning and disinfection. At this point sharps may be exposed and blood and/or OPIM splattered all over the immediate area of the operatory. Contamination of the DHCP may easily occur at this point.

Transmission may occur through non-intact skin (eg, open wound), percutaneous injury due to sharps or mucous membranes.

RECOMMENDATIONS:

1. Contaminated instruments should not be handled with bare hands. Wearing of puncture resistant gloves is recommended.
2. Use an instrument to disassemble sharps.
3. Instruments must be placed in a container to prevent percutaneous injuries during transport.


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