Infection prevention

Infection Prevention

Introduction

Where people gather, germs spread through contact, droplets and airborne micro-organisms. The GIfMI MRI facility is also used for patients and must therefore be maintained like a clinical scanner to reduce the risk of hospital infections. Therefor, users must apply the disinfection measures of Ghent University Hospital (based on the 2007 recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control) to all subjects that are scanned in the GIfMI facility, regardless of the infection status. The This document outlines the importance of disinfection, recommended products and precautions for a medical-technical department. For more information, please contact the GIfMI Research Assistant.

Procedure

Hygiene of the material used in the scanner room

Cleaning

Clinell® provides fast, effective cleaning and disinfection of equipment surfaces with bactericidal, fungicidal, tuberculocidal and virucidal activity.

Use Clinell® wipes or spray to desinfect:

  • Between subjects: alarm system, headset and peripheral equipment.
  • After a scan session: table, coils, control panel, alarm system, headset and peripheral equipment.

Waste

Deposit table paper, earplugs and other materials in the blue waste bags for non-hazardous medical waste.

Linen

Deposit linen (bathrobes, sheets, pillow cases, …) in the white bag in the clinical corridor. Always consider linen as potentially contaminated: disinfect hands afterwards.

Hand hygiene

Basic conditions

  • Wounds and other skin lesions on the hands are covered with waterproof band aid.

Wash hands with water and soap (40 – 60 “) to remove dirt and part of the transient flora:

  • Upon arrival at the GIfMI facility
  • After each toilet visit
  • After contact with micro-organisms
Fig. Handwash technique with water and soap according to WHO guidelines.

Disinfection of the hands with alcohol 77% to remove resident flora (press pump twice and rub until dry):

  • After coughing, sneezing or blowing of the nose.
  • Between two subjects.
 Fig. Alcohol-based hand-rub technique according to WHO guidelines.

Prevention of transmission of blood-borne diseases

Remove small sharp objects (needles) immediately after use and store them in the yellow, puncture-proof containers.

Note: the large yellow containers are only appropriate for hazardous or large sharp medical waste and are not regular waste bins.

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References