Guide lines for Disposing of Contaminated Equipment

• Disposable gloves: place in isolation bag separate from burnable trash and direct to appropriate hospital area for disposal

• Glass equipment: Bag separately from metal equipment and return to CSR (Central Sterilization Room).

• Metal equipment: Bag all equipment together, label and return to CSR

• Rubber and plastic items: Bag items separately and return to CSR for gas sterilization.

• Dishes: Requires no special precautions unless contaminated with infected material; then bag, label and return to Kitchen.

• Plastic or paper dishes: Dispose of these items in burnable trash.

• Soiled linens: place in laundry bag, and send to separate area of laundry room from special care. If possible place linens hot-water-soluble bag. This method is safes for handling as bag may be placed directly into washing machine. (Double-bagging is usually required because these bags are easily punctured or torn. They also dissolve when wet.)

• Food and liquids: Dispose of these items by putting them in toilet – flush thoroughly.

• Needles and syringes: Do not recap needles; place inpuncture proof (resistant) container.

• Sphygmomanometer and stethoscope: Require no special precaution unless they are contaminated. If contaminated, disinfect using the appropriate cleaning protocol based on the infective agent.

Thermometers:
Dispose of electronic probes cover with burnable trash. If probe or machine is contaminated, clean with appropriate disinfectant or infective agent. If reasonable thermometers are used, disinfect with appropriate solution.

Study questions
• Describe infection prevention in health care setups
• List chain of infection
• Identify between medical asepsis and surgical asepsis
• Discuss the purpose, use and components of standard precautions.
• Maintain both medical and surgical asepsis
• Describe how to setup a client’s room for isolation, including appropriate barrier techniques.
• Identify hoe to follow specific airborne, droplet and contact precautions.