Standard principles of infection prevention and control

Standard principles of infection prevention

and control

These principles were originally referred to as ‘universal precautions’ and are often referred

to as ‘standard precautions’.

To break the chain of infection the standard principles of infection control should be

applied, which are:

1. Hand hygiene.

2. Correct use of personal protective equipment (gloves, aprons, visors and masks).

3. Control of the environment, which incorporates:

°°decontamination (of healthcare equipment and the healthcare environment; management

of blood and body fluid spillages);

°°isolation and cohorting;

°°respiratory hygiene;

°°safe management of sharps and splash injuries;

°°safe sharps practice;

°°safe disposal of clinical waste;

°°safe handling of linen and laundry.

The aseptic non-touch technique is included here, as it is essential for infection prevention

and control.