Moment 2: While in patient zone, before aseptic/clean procedure

WHY:

• To protect the patient from potential pathogens (including their own).

WHEN: (examples not a complete list)

• Insertion of a needle or other sharp device into a patient’s skin:  Venipuncture, finger/heel sticks, arterial blood gas, subcutaneous or intramuscular injections.
• Preparation and administration of any medications given via an invasive medical device:  IV medication, Enteral feedings.
• Preparation of a clean or sterile field:  Dressing changes, formula preparation.
• Administration of medications where there is direct contact with mucous membranes:  Eye drop instillation, suppository insertion.
• Inserting, accessing or discontinuing any invasive medical device:  ETT, tracheostomy, nasopharyngeal airways, suctioning of airways, urinary catheter, colostomy/ileostomy, vascular access devices, invasive monitoring devices, wound drains, PEG tubes, NGT, secretion aspiration.
• Any assessment, treatment and patient care where contact is made with non-intact skin or mucous membranes:  Examinations, dressing changes and procedures.

TO PREVENT:  Infections in patients

• HCWs may have any number of organisms on their hands, or they may pick up micro-organisms from the patients skin.  If there is no hand hygiene immediately prior to a procedure these micro-organisms can enter the patient’s body.

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