Recently, Boom! Supplies called the attention of the public to the need to establish infection control procedures in healthcare institutions. Such measures will help curb the spread of infectious diseases and the possible fatalities that follow. Sterilization is a crucial practice for curbing infection spreads in the healthcare environment. First, let us consider some vital reasons why sterilization is essential.
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Importance of Sterilization
Reduces spread of infections
Since sick people are always found in the healthcare environment, such places can become hotspots for infection spread. Typical examples of infectious diseases include periodontal diseases, tuberculosis, hepatitis, COVID-19, and many more. Sterilization prevents these diseases from spreading.
Prevents Multiplication of Pathogens
Pathogens that cause disease multiply and spread faster than you can imagine. But sterilizing equipment and other tools in the healthcare facility stop them from multiplying and infecting other healthy people.
Reduces Mortality
Diseases causing organisms can affect vital organs in the body, such as the blood, lungs, liver, kidney, and many more. Such infections can eventually lead to death. Sterilizing and disinfecting a healthcare environment would reduce mortality caused by infectious diseases.
Safeguard the Heath of Clinic Staff
The staff of healthcare facilities are consistently exposed to the risk of contracting infectious diseases from their patients. Following strict disinfection and sterilization procedures will protect the health of staff in a healthcare environment.
Protect the Reputation of Your Clinic
A little mistake, such as forgetting to sterilize medical devices, can lead to fatal damages, including death. Such an event would tarnish the image of such a clinic. So, sterilization helps protect the reputation of a healthcare institution.
Guideline For Sterilization in a Healthcare Facility
The guideline below would help you maintain a healthcare facility free on infectious diseases. Thereby protecting the welfare of your staff, patients, and visitors.
Vaccination: The staff of healthcare facilities should receive vaccination against infectious diseases such as flu, pertussis, diphtheria, rubella, tetanus, Hepatitis B, measles, among others.
Handwashing: Clinic infection prevention policy should establish handwashing as a standard procedure before and after contact with a patient.
Sterilize Medical Tools and Equipment: The tools and equipment used in medical procedures should be sterilized immediately after use. Also, such equipment should be stored in a sterile environment, away from germs.
Disinfect Surfaces: Besides the everyday cleaning of a healthcare facility, it should also be disinfected consistently. All surfaces such as the floor, walls, countertops, tables, and other furniture should always be disinfected.
Use Personal Protective Gears: The staff of healthcare facilities must consciously use appropriate protective gear such as gloves, face mask, nose mask, lab coats while working with patients.
Maintain Comprehensive Medical Records: When a clinic has a comprehensive medical record, it would be easy to identify the susceptibility of various individuals. So clinics should keep complete records of both staff and patients to safeguard their welfare.