Infection prevention and control (IPAC) practices are evidence-based procedures and practices that can prevent and reduce disease transmission, and eliminate sources of potential infections (PIDAC, 2012). When used consistently, IPAC practices will prevent the transfer of health care associated infections (HAIs) in all health care settings. HAIs, previously called nosocomial infections, are infections that occur in any health care setting as a result of contact with a pathogen that was not present at the time the person infected was admitted (World Health Organization, 2009a).

Two types of techniques are used to prevent infection in the hospital setting. The first, medical asepsis or clean technique, has been used in the past to describe measures for reducing and preventing the spread of organisms (Perry, Potter & Ostendorf, 2014). The second, sterilization, also known as sterile asepsis, is a strict technique to eliminate all microorganisms from an area (Perry et al., 2014). When a patient/client is suspected of having or is confirmed to have certain pathogens or clinical presentations, additional precautions are implemented by the health care worker in addition to routine practices (PIDAC, 2012). These additional precautions are based on how an infection is transmitted, such as by contact, droplet, or air.

Additional precautions use personal protective equipment (PPE), such as gowns, eyewear, face shields, and masks, along with environmental controls to prevent transmission of infection. To reduce and prevent the spread of HAIs, a system of recommended IPAC routine practices are to be used consistently with all patients/clients at all times in all health care settings (Public Health Agency of Canada, 2012b). The principles of routine practices are based on the premise that all patients/clients are potentially infectious, even when asymptomatic, and IPAC routine practices should be used to prevent exposure to blood, body fluids, secretions, excretions, mucous membranes, non-intact skin, or soiled items (PIDAC, 2012). 

Principles of Asepsis

When providing care and even cleaning, the Health Care Assistant should always work from clean to dirty to prevent the spread of microorganisms. For example, in bathrooms clean the toilet last. If the toilet is cleaned first, microorganisms will spread over everything else in the room that the cleaning cloth or hands touch. Cleaning should also progress from far to near and/or top to bottom to prevent the spread of microorganisms. These same principles apply to the personal care provided to clients. As an example, if you are washing a client’s face, start with the inner of the eye farthest away from you.