BRAINCAKEPrevention and Control of Infection
Hospitals have strict codes of practice to prevent and control healthcare-associated infections (HCAIs), such as MRSA and C. difficile. The measures work in three ways: stopping pathogens spreading, protecting vulnerable patients, and reducing selection for antibiotic resistance.
Stopping the spread
• Hand hygiene: staff and visitors wash their hands, or use alcohol gel, before and after contact with each patient. Soap and water is needed for C. difficile, because alcohol does not kill its spores.
• Staff are bare below the elbows: no long sleeves, watches or jewellery, which can carry bacteria.
• Gloves and aprons are worn and changed between patients.
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Key terms in this lesson
- antiseptic
- A chemical that kills or inhibits the growth of microorganisms and is safe to use on living skin or tissue.
- disinfectant
- A chemical used to kill or remove microorganisms from non-living surfaces or objects.
More in Bacteria and Disease
- Protein synthesis Inhibitors
- Cell Wall Agents
- Cell Membrane Agents
- DNA Gyrase Inhibitors
- Antibiotic Resistance
- Creating Drug-Resistant Bacteria
- MRSA
- Clostridium difficile
All 30 lessons in Bacteria and Disease · All Edexcel A-level Biology topics