(1) Liquid, powder, or bar soaps can be used for normal hand washing;
however, an antiseptic cleansing agent should be used by personnel caring for patients
in isolation. Vigorous scrubbing for at least 15 seconds and thorough rinsing are
essential for hand washing to be effective since much of the benefit results from
(2) Sinks for hand washing and hand washing supplies should be
conveniently available near every patient.
e. Gloves. Gloves should be used only once and then discarded into an
appropriate receptacle before the user leaves the contaminated area. Supplies of
gloves should be readily available outside the patient area when the isolation procedure
requires their use. Disposable single-use gloves (sterile or nonsterile, depending on the
specific use) are available and may be used.
(1) In administering to a patient, personnel should change to new gloves
after direct contact with that patient's excretions or secretions, even if you have not
completed your nursing care procedures for that patient.
(2) The use of gloves is stressed because even with good hand washing
techniques, potentially infectious material may be left on the hands (under fingernails,
for example). Such residue cannot be removed without special attention.
5-6.
EQUIPMENT
a. Sphygmomanometer and Stethoscope. When indicated, this equipment
should be kept in the isolation area for use with the patient throughout his
hospitalization. After the patient is discharged, these instruments should be disinfected
in the manner as appropriate based upon the type of agent that required the isolation.
b. Needles and Syringes. Because of the impossibility of knowing which
patients' blood may be contaminated with hepatitis virus or other microorganisms,
extreme caution must be applied in handling used needles and syringes whether in
isolation or not.
(1) Disposable needles and syringes are available and should be used for
patients in isolation. They must not be reused. Used needles need not be recapped;
they should be placed in a prominently labeled, impervious, puncture-resistant container
designated specifically for this purpose. Needles should not be purposely bent because
accidental needle puncture may occur. Place used syringes in an impervious bag.
Both of these containers should be incinerated or autoclaved and then discarded.
(2) Reusable needles and syringes should be rinsed thoroughly in cold
water after use. The needle should be placed in a puncture-resistant rigid container.
Syringes and needles should be wrapped using double-bag technique and returned for
decontamination and sterilization.
MD0540
5-7