Prevent Cross Infection Research Articles

Evaluation and Comparison of Color Change in Two Commercially Shade Guides after Disinfection

Background: Due to the close proximity to the oral cavity, shade guides are prone to contamination with saliva. Hence, disinfection of shade guides is important to prevent cross infection in clinics. This study has compared and evaluated the color change in VITA shade guide and the WALDENT shade guide after disinfecting with 70% isopropyl alcohol. Objectives: The objective of this study was to compare and evaluate the amount of color change in the VITA shade guide and WALDENT shade guide after disinfecting them with 70% isopropyl alcohol for the simulated time of 6 months and 1 year. Materials and Methods: Four commonly used shade tabs, namely A2, A3.5, B2, and C1 of two shade guides – VITA Classical Shade Guide and Waldent shade guides – were chosen for this study. VITA Easyshade spectrophotometer measured the shade, and the values were recorded in the International Commission on Illumination L*a*b* Scale. Baseline values of 8 shade tabs were obtained followed by surface disinfection using 70% isopropyl alcohol using gauze. The testing process was done to simulate a 6-month period and 1-year period. Results: Unpaired t-test was used for statistical analysis. It was found that shade tabs underwent significant changes in short period of time. Conclusion: Within the limitations of this study, it was found that shade guides undergo significant changes in color when disinfected with 70% isopropyl alcohol during a simulated period of 6 months. Clinical Significance: If shade guides are not periodically evaluated using a control (preferably unused) shade guide, they may have a profound impact on resulting restoration.

IMPROVING HAND HYGIENE FOR CROSS-INFECTION CONTROL: GUARDING AGAINST HEALTHCARE-ASSOCIATED CLOSTRIDIUM DIFFICILE INFECTION

Healthcare-associated Clostridium difficile infection (HA-CDI) continues to pose a serious threat to healthcare environments across the globe. To reduce the pathogen's spread, effective control measures are necessary. Educating patients and healthcare professionals on the need of hand cleanliness is a crucial component of prevention. The critical significance that good hand hygiene plays in cross-infection prevention to avoid HA-CDI is examined in this research. It looks at the most effective methods, obstacles, and tactics for encouraging hand hygiene compliance in hospital settings. As a key component of HA-CDI prevention measures, the assessment emphasizes the critical necessity for extensive hand hygiene programs.

Out-Patient Neurosurgery Telemedicine Clinics: A Model to Provide Healthcare And Prevent Cross-Infection

Objectives: To determine patient’s and health worker’s views of telemedicine on prevention of cross infection and delivery of health care in our centre. Methods: A prospective cross-sectional study conducted at our neurosurgery centre. Sample size was calculated, questionnaire designed and administered to consecutive patients or healthcare workers. Data was analysed using SPSS, IBM version 20.0. Results: We found 161 patients. 79.5% were males with a male to female ratio of 3.8:1. The mean age of the patients was 32±12 years. Majority of patients, 68.9% (111/161) lack awareness of virtual consultation. Most patients, 76.4% (123/161) showed interest in having virtual consultation to prevent COVID-19 infection. Most patients opined that, virtual consultation can be done in any day and at any time. There is statistically significant association between age (11-30year), male gender and short distance to the hospital (1-200KM), to interest in virtual consultation (p< 0.05). Patients living close to hospital have five times likelihood of accepting virtual consultation than those coming from far distance (odds ratio-5.7, CI-1.5-21.23, p-0.002). 84.6% of the health workers have prior knowledge of virtual consultation as a means of preventing COVID-19 infection. All age group, gender and non-emergency cases should be offered virtual consultation as suggested by the 100% of health workers. Conclusion: This single centre study shows paucity of knowledge of virtual consultation in our patients, though interested. In contrast, most health workers know about virtual consultation as a way of preventing COVID-19 infection, as such, virtual consultation should be introduced in our practice.

Method for the prevention of hospital infection in Saint Petersburg

BACKGROUND: Cystic fibrosis is one of the most frequent monogenic diseases, in which, in addition to medical measures, measures for the prevention of the infectious process in the lungs are of great importance, which is provided by a clear organization of the work of any medical institution where patients are observed and where medical and rehabilitation measures are carried out.
 AIM: The article describes the experience of the childrens Center in St. Petersburg to prevent cross-infection of patients with cystic fibrosis who have the different luge microbiome.
 MATERIALS AND METHODS: The measures taken included a system for monitoring and dynamic control of the seeded pathogenic microflora with a strict separation of patients with cystic fibrosis, who had the isolation and carriage of various pathogens. The system provided for the separation of flows of patients with cystic fibrosis and the prevention of cross-infection, as well as a number of activities related to the disinfection of equipment.
 RESULTS: The methods adopted and put into practice have ensured the prevention of cross-infection of patients with cystic fibrosis, excreting various pathogenic bacteria from sputum. The patient management system made it possible to halve the number of hospitalizations of patients with Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection per CF patient per year: from 1.3 in 2001 to 0.6 in 2021, reduce the risk of cross-infection, reduce the number of relapses, hospitalizations and the average length of stay of a patient in a hospital.
 CONCLUSIONS: The developed system of assistance has shown its effectiveness and can be implemented in one form or another in the work of cystic fibrosis treatment centers in the Russian Federation.

Assessment of the Knowledge of Infectious Diseases and Their mode of Transmission Among Dental Health Care Personnel in a Tertiary Health Institution in Southern Nigeria

Background: Dental Health Care Personnel (DHCP) and clinical students in training are constantly exposed to saliva and oral fluids in the course of carrying out oral health care procedures. For optimum observance of infection control protocols, there is a need for adequate and appropriate knowledge of infectious agents and their mode of transmission in order to prevent cross infection in a dental clinic setting.
 Objective: To determine the level of knowledge of infectious agents transmissible in a dental clinic among dental health care personnel and final year clinical students and nurses in a tertiary health facility.
 Methods: This paper is a cross-sectional descriptive study which used a well-structured self-administered questionnaire. A convenient sampling technique was applied and a total of 111 DHCP and final year clinical students and nurses were recruited into the study. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package of Social Science (SPSS) version 16 (IBM, Chicago, IL, USA). Bivariate analysis showed that the dentist cadre had the best level of knowledge of infectious agents transmissible in dental clinics. This, however, was not statistically significant p=0.298
 Results: A total of one hundred and eleven respondents, ages ranging from 15 to 55 years and with a mean age of 31.0±5.5 participated in this study. More than two-third 75(67.6%) of the respondents were dental surgeons and the least 2(1.8%) were the dental hygienist. More males 63(56.8%) participated in the study and most respondents 107(96.4%) were Christians. Fifty-five (49%) had good knowledge, 9(8.1%) had fair knowledge, and 47(42.3%) had poor knowledge of infectious diseases/conditions transmissible in dentistry. Respondents’ status was not a determinant of the level of knowledge, p=0.298.
 Conclusion: The average knowledge of the DHCP, final year clinical students and dental student nurses in this study was good, but their knowledge about HDV and infectious bacteria in dental unit water was poor.

Environmental cleaning and infection prevention and control: The role of Patient Service Assistants.

In Australia, Patient Service Assistants are an integral part of all health care settings, yet there is a paucity of studies considering their understandings and perceptions of their role about infection prevention and control. The aim in this study was to explore haematology Personal Service Assistants' experience, understanding and perceptions of their role in improving patient safety through environmental cleaning. A qualitative exploratory descriptive design was utilised to collect data from cleaning staff via focus groups. Three semi-structured focus groups were conducted. Seven Patient Service Assistants participated in the study out of 11 employed. Two key themes emerged from the thematic analysis: (1) Playing a major role in Infection Prevention and Control, and (2) prioritising good interpersonal relationships over promoting infection prevention and control. Patient Service Assistants emphasised the importance of their involvement in keeping the ward clean, including patients' rooms and surroundings, to prevent cross infection. Most participants underlined the dilemmas they faced when visitors and/or informal cleaning employees or casual ward staff did not adhere to ward infection prevention and control norms. Patient Service Assistants were employing key infection prevention and control principles in their ward cleaning routine, with the aim of achieving a safer patient environment although they were reluctant to challenge observed practice deviations. The role of Patient Service Assistants highlights the widely held misconception that patient safety is solely dependent on healthcare workers.

The Relationship of Knowledge to The Sterilization Behavior of The Tool to Prevent Disease Transmission in Dental Health Students

When taking action in the field of dentistry, knowledge is a factor that greatly influences the operator's actions. Knowledge is the result of understanding after feeling an observed object. If their knowledge is good, their attitudes and actions will be better when carrying out sterilization. Behavior is an individual action that is observable or cannot be observed as a human interaction with the environment in the form of knowledge, attitudes and actions. The type of research in this study is an analytical survey with a cross sectional approach, the sample is level II and III students of the Department of Dental Health, Poltekkes, Ministry of Health, Palembang who will fill out a questionnaire. Analysis uses the Chi-Square test. Most students have a level of knowledge with good criteria and have behavior with good criteria. There is a significant relationship between knowledge and sterilization behavior in preventing cross infection with a p value = 0.000.

Antimicrobial second skin using copper nanomesh

The functional support and advancement of our body while preserving inherent naturalness is one of the ultimate goals of bioengineering. Skin protection against infectious pathogens is an application that requires common and long-term wear without discomfort or distortion of the skin functions. However, no antimicrobial method has been introduced to prevent cross-infection while preserving intrinsic skin conditions. Here, we propose an antimicrobial skin protection platform copper nanomesh, which prevents cross-infectionmorphology, temperature change rate, and skin humidity. Copper nanomesh exhibited an inactivation rate of 99.99% for Escherichia coli bacteria and influenza virus A within 1 and 10 min, respectively. The thin and porous nanomesh allows for conformal coating on the fingertips, without significant interference with the rate of skin temperature change and humidity. Efficient cross-infection prevention and thermal transfer of copper nanomesh were demonstrated using direct on-hand experiments.

Effect of alginate impression disinfection with sodium hypochlorite and castrol oil on Candida albicans counts and dimensional stability of the study model

Alginate is the most common used material because it is easy to use, affordable, and well accepted by patients. When impressing, alginate would be in contact with the surface of the oral cavity and saliva. It caused the microflora, like Candida albicanswould adhere to the surface so that it can cause cross-infection. Cross-infection prevention could be done by disinfecting the impression material before filling with gypsum. The main things of choosing a disinfectant is that the disinfectant material could eliminate microorganisms and affect the dimensional stability of impression material. This study aimed to determine the effect of alginate impression disinfection with sodium hypochlorite and castor oil (Ricinus communis oil) on the Candida albicanscounts and the dimensional stability of the study model. The samples of Candida albicanswas counted by colony counter andthe dimensional stability test by digital caliper. This study showed that alginate impression desinfection with castor oil had almost the same effectiveness as sodium hypochlorite in reducing the Candida albicanscounts, but dimension was changed even though the value of the dimensional changes is still within the tolerance limit.

EFFECT OF APPLICATION OF WRAPAROUND CLING FILM ON THE REDUCTION OF MICROBIAL CONTAMINATION OF MOBILE PHONES IN THE DENTAL OPERATORY-A COMPARATIVE EVALUATION

Aim:To evaluate and compare the microbial contamination of mobile phones with or without a wraparound mobile phone cover. Material And Methods:34 dentists were included in the study and they were divided into 2 groups of 17 participants(group A and group B). Swabs were collected from the mobile phones of each participant as they reached the college, using a sterile swab impregnated with normal saline, aseptically. The mobile phones of all the participants were then disinfected.The phones of participants in group A were then covered using a wraparound cling film,whereas the phones of participants in group B were uncovered.By evening, samples were collected from each participantÂ’sphones.The samples were transported immediately to the microbiological laboratory for culture and identification of microorganisms.The swabs were streaked onto blood agar,McConkey agar, Sabouraud dextrose agar,the plates were then incubated at 37oC for 48 hours.Isolated microorganisms were identified using Gram stain, morphology, catalase and coagulase reaction. Results: Statistical analysis was donewith, Mann Whitneytest, Wilcoxon Signed Ranks Test,SPSS software. The results showed a statistically significant reduction in microbial growth in Group A as compared to that of group B for samples collected in the evening. Clinical Significance: Preventing cross infection. Conclusion: Mobile phones disinfected and covered with a wraparound cling film showed significant reduction in microbial growth indicating its use in the prevention of cross infection.

Management of dental care practice and prevention of cross infection during COVID-19 pandemic

The etiological agent of Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) is Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome- Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), a novel coronavirus. The COVID-19 pandemic dramatically reformed all aspects of life throughout the world. The spread of this infection mainly occurs through the aerosol which contain the microdroplets. It is now fully accepted that the transmission of this viral disease occurs through the infected subjects with or without specific disease symptoms. The principal routes of this viral infection are through mouth, nose, eyes, thus the spread of this infection can be highest at all the levels of dental clinics. Specific protocols have been devised on time to time since the start of this viral pandemic for the dental practitioners. It is an utmost responsibility of all dental care practitioners to follow all the guidelines to minimize the cross-infection of this disease. The new guidelines are implemented to comply with the policies of public health, ensuring safety of dental care professionals, staff and patients to prevent further spread of this viral disease. The introduction of particular devices, proper patient management and organized clinical practice is extremely significant to stop the spread of this disease.

A Clinical Audit of Cross-Infection Control Practices in Orthodontic Setups During the COVID-19 Scenario

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has caused many changes in the practice of orthodontics, with the main focus being prevention of cross-infection. Clinical audits can help assess the extent to which practices/practitioners adhere to standard cross-infection control protocols, thereby providing scope for improvement resulting in better treatment outcomes. Objective: Phase 1—to investigate the type of cross-infection control procedures being followed by orthodontic residents of 5 dental institutes in Hyderabad city and compare them to recommended guidelines. Phase 2—after identification of the shortcomings, analyzing how re-education and revision of guidelines can lead to improvements in cross-infection prevention protocols. Methodology: Orthodontic residents of 5 dental institutes were observed with regard to their routine infection control practices, which were compared to a set standard. A second audit cycle was conducted on the same clinicians after a seminar where they were encouraged to work on shortcomings at their workplace. The results from the 2 audit cycles were then compared to assess differences. Results and Conclusion: While most clinicians were aware of the recommended cross-infection control guidelines, few steps were neglected while in practice. Comparisons between the 2 audit cycles revealed definite improvements.

A competency-based approach to promoting effective hand hygiene in long-term care facilities

Long-term care facilities (LTCFs) comprise a large proportion of healthcare service users due to the increasing ageing population. Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) constitute a major burden in LTCFs and are associated with significant infectious disease outbreaks and mortality. The non-adherence to effective hand hygiene practice due to missed opportunity for staff to explore its role in infection prevention and control (IPC) within these settings, has been emphasised by the COVID-19 pandemic. This article explores the factors contributing to the poor attitude of staff members towards non-compliance with IPC measures in LTCFs. Recommendations on improving IPC measures were further made based on the Infection Prevention Society competency framework which serves as a tool for individuals to improve their performance continually and become efficient practitioners. After reading this article and completing the time out activities, you should be able to (i) identify various means of promoting adequate hand hygiene in long-term care facilities (LCTFs); (ii) understand that every activity taken to prevent the spread of healthcare associated infections (HAI) begins and ends with effective hand hygiene; (iii) recognise steps to prevent cross infection through improved compliance with the five moments of hand hygiene in LTCFs; (iv) develop a satisfactory attitude towards hand hygiene compliance in the workplace, and (v) appraise own competence, recognise areas for further improvement, and devise means of promoting staff compliance through evaluation and feedback.

PENGARUH REBUSAN DAUN SIRIH25%DAN KLORHEKSIDIN 0,2% SEBAGAI BAHAN DESINFEKTAN TERHADAP STABILITAS DIMENSI CETAKAN ALGINAT

ntroduction: Dental impression material is one of the agents of infection transmission in the dentist's work environment. Cross infection can occur through the interaction of microorganisms and impression material. To prevent cross infection, it is necessary to disinfect alginate impressions. One of the effective natural ingredients that can be used as a disinfectant is betel leaf. The effect of using disinfectant can affect the dimensional stability of the alginate mold. Purpose: This study aims to determine the effect of disin- fection by spraying a decoction of 25% betel leaf and 0.2% chlorhexidine on the dimensional stability of alginate molds. Materials and Methods: The research method used was an experimental laboratory with a post-test only control g roup design using 2 7 samples consisting of three treatments (negative control group, positive control group, and treatment group) which were measured using a digital caliper. The technique us ed in this study is the spraying technique on the sample with a st orage time of 10 minutes. Results and discussion: This 25% betel leaf de coction (infusion) can be used as an alternative to disinfecting alginate impressions because there is no difference in effect between spraying 25% betel leaf decoction (infusion) and 0.2% chlorhexidine on alginate molds on changes in model physiological dimen- sions. Conclusion: the dimensional changes that occur are still within tolera- ble limits in alginate molds which were disinfected by spraying 25% betel leaf decoction and 0.2% chlorhexidine solution so that both can be used as disinfection materials for alginate impression materials

Routine Use of Condom as an Ultrasound Probe Cover to Prevent Cross Infection in COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit

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Comparison of Repeated Chemical and Microwave Disinfection on Dimensional Accuracy of Gypsum Casts

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this experimental study is to compare the dimensional accuracy of gypsum casts after repeated disinfection in microwave at 900 Watts, 2450 MHz (5 minutes) and immersion in 0.5% Sodium hypochlorite (10 minutes). Disinfecting casts is recommended to prevent cross infection but may cause dimensional changes. During fabrication of prosthesis, a cast may get contaminated several times so there is a need of repeated disinfection. METHODOLOGY: Sample size was 33 (11 in each group), calculated through WHO software for sample size determination by using standard deviation of 0.16 at 95% confidence interval and 80% power of study. Impressions in irreversible hydrocolloid were recorded of an acrylic cast fabricated for this study. The impressions were poured with die stone and were randomly divided into 3 groups; Group I: Microwave disinfection, Group II: Immersion disinfection in 0.5% Sodium hypochlorite, Group III: Control group. For Groups I and II, each cast was disinfected 7 times with 5 minutes interval between two disinfection cycles, after every cycle anteroposterior and mediolateral measurements were recorded using digital Vernier caliper (accuracy upto 0.01 mm). For group III, casts were rinsed with distilled water, dried in open air within temperature range of 28+/-2OC for 10 mins followed by anteroposterior and mediolateral measurements. This procedure was repeated seven times for each cast. RESULTS: Anteroposterior and Mediolateral differences of dimensional change between and within the Group A, B and C was calculated by One Way ANOVA. Inter/intra examiner reliability was taken into consideration at the time of study. Mean dimensional change in the casts were insignificant through six disinfecting cycles. However, in the seventh cycle, a significant difference (p=0.003) was observed in the anteroposterior dimension (0.03% dimensional change for Group A and 1.26 % for Group B whereas, in mediolateral dimension, dimensional change was 0.35% for Group A and 0.59% for Group B (p=0.004). Dimensional change of >0.5% was considered as the cutoff value for casts to be considered as dimensionally accurate. Casts disinfected through immersion disinfection did not produce dimensionally inaccurate casts in anteroposterior dimension after third cycle and in seventh cycle in mediolateral dimension. However, result is significant only in seventh cycle. Microwave disinfection produced dimensionally accurate casts throughout all cycles. CONCLUSION: Microwave disinfected casts remained dimensionally stable compared to immersion disinfection. KEYWORDS: Disinfection, microwave, immersion, dimensional stability, gypsum casts

Prevention of cross-infection due to the transmission of Covid-19 in orthodontic treatment during the pandemic

Background: In 2020, WHO declared the name of the Coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19). In the middle of the pandemic, orthodontists have limited their treatment. The challenges of the orthodontic profession in performing treatment become more difficult due to many factors, such as high saliva concentrations. Objective: To find out how to prevent cross-infection of Covid-19 in performing orthodontic treatment during the pandemic. Methods: By using a literature review, information that is relevant to the topic of the study is collected and then synthesized in an article. Results: It was found that there were similarities in the dis-cussion regarding the difficulty of consulting and taking active and inactive orthodontic treatment actions during the Covid-19 pandemic. Conclusion: In orthodontic treatment during this pandemic, dentists and clinical health staff must triage patients be-fore visiting the clinic and must carry out infection control management at the clinic, both orthodontic treatment procedures and other pressure.

Using Container Houses to Reduce the Risks to Health-Care Workers While Performing the Throat Swab Test and Blood Sampling for SARS-CoV-2.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is still pandemic all over the world. Patients requesting screening in emergency departments (ED) have continually increased. Establishing additional screening stations outside of the ED to increase the number of patients tested and protect the safety of health care workers poses an urgent challenge. We employed a container house near the entrance of an ED to create an outdoor screening station, which separates suspected patients of COVID-19 from regular emergency patients to prevent cross infections. In our experience, a container house station can not only provide additional screen area but also reduce the consumption of personal protective equipment. Container houses are sturdier than tents and can be fully assembled rapidly. Appropriate protective equipment can be installed with them to fulfi ll demands for COVID-19 screening.

Infection Control and Prevention Strategies in Dental Practices during the Covid-19 Pandemic

The coronavirus-19 (COVID-19) pandemic caused by Coronavirus is causing severe acute respiratory infections. The profession of dental health service workers must know the proper infection prevention and control. The profession of dental health care workers in low-middle-income countries is at odds with developed countries in facing the challenges of a lack of personal protective equipment (PPE) and infrastructure constraints. This study aims to determine infection prevention and control strategies in dental health service practices during the Covid-19 pandemic in lower middle countries. The method used in this paper is a systematic literature review method and is analyzed according to inclusion and exclusion criteria, carried out by reviewing journals traced from international databases published between 2019 and 2021. Researchers conducted a search for data sources from the Pubmed and Mendeley databases. Search for articles in 2019-2021. There are 20 journals that fall into the criteria. The results showed that during the Covid-19 pandemic, infection prevention and control measures were needed in dental service practices in middle- and lower-income countries. Dental treatment procedures should be carried out with cross infection prevention and control in accordance with procedures and guidelines such as; patient screening, pre-treatment, treatment, post-treatment, and prevention in the dental health service practice room Keywords: COVID-19, Dental, infection prevention and protection, middle- and lower-income countries.

Factors influencing self-reported adherence to standard precautions among Thai nursing students: A cross sectional study

AimThis study explored nursing students’ compliance with standard precautions (SPs) and attitudes to SPs in Thailand, to identify factors that may increase adherence to SPs and infection prevention and control best practice. BackgroundIn the context of high rates of healthcare associated infections as in Thailand, effective strategies to promote high levels of clinician adherence to SPs is a priority. Nursing students are one group of healthcare workers who play a vital role in caring for patients and constitute the future nursing workforce. DesignA cross-sectional survey design was used. MethodsA self-reported survey comprising the Compliance with Standard Precautions Scale and the Factors Influencing Adherence to Standard Precautions Scale were distributed to nursing students as a Thai paper-based survey. ResultsA total of '533 second' to fourth year nursing students from a tertiary nursing school in Bangkok, Thailand completed the survey. The average nursing student compliance to SPs was 68.5%. Most (91.2%) reported only using water for handwashing and 57.2% reported reuse of surgical masks. The fourth-year students had higher compliance (M=3.90, SD=1.12) on the ‘prevention of cross infection from person-to-person’ dimension while second-year students reported higher compliance on the ‘disposal of sharps’ (M=2.67, SD=0.57) dimension. ‘Contextual Cues’ was identified as the factor (M=3.41, SD=0.40) that had the greatest influence on adherence and ‘Practice Culture’ (M=1.84, SD=0.66) and ‘Justification’ (M = 1.35, SD.68 had the lowest influence. Fourth year students identified ‘Leadership’ (M=2.90, SD=0.49) as an important influence on adherence to SPs. ConclusionsTo increase nursing students’ adherence there needs to be greater emphasis on the importance of SPs in theoretical sessions and regular monitoring and feedback on hand hygiene performance and personal protective equipment use while students are on placements. More visible organizational leadership and promotion of high levels of adherence to SPs may assist students to translate their theoretical knowledge into practice.