Hospital-Acquired Infection Prevention Protocols

High-Risk Hospital Units

Infection risk is elevated in specialized units, including neonatology, intensive care, hemodialysis, burn centers, oncology, orthopedics, and transplantation.

Intrinsic Risk Factors

• Age
• Diabetes
• Colon conditions
• Leukemia
• Substance abuse
• Obesity
• Malnutrition
• Transplant status
• AIDS
• Prematurity

Extrinsic Risk Factors

• Catheters
• Surgical wounds
• Bladder catheterization
• Antibiotic use
• Immunosuppressants

Respiratory Infections

Bacterial, viral, and fungal pathogens are frequently present, particularly in immunocompromised patients.

Prevention of Lower Respiratory Tract Infections

• Wash hands before and after patient care.
• Educate patients on effective secretion removal.
• Implement chest physiotherapy, postural drainage, and clapping to assist secretion detachment.
• Position unconscious patients on their side to prevent aspiration.
• Ensure proper sterilization of bronchoscopy equipment.
• Use sterile techniques for endotracheal aspirations.
• Utilize disposable suction catheters.
• Use separate probes for endotracheal aspiration and pharyngeal cleaning.
• Maintain hygienic conditions for ventilator circuits.
• Apply respiratory isolation measures when necessary.

Prevention of Urinary Tract Infections

• Insert catheters only when necessary and remove them as soon as possible.
• Use the thinnest possible probes and avoid long-term permanent catheterization.
• Utilize closed-circuit sterile drainage systems.
• Ensure insertion and maintenance are performed by qualified staff.
• Clean the perineal area with antiseptic prior to insertion.
• Wash hands and use sterile gloves.
• Use water-soluble lubricant during insertion.
• Keep the collection bag below the patient's bladder level.
• Secure the probe to prevent movement.
• Change the bag while maintaining probe integrity.
• Perform sampling with a sterile needle after applying antiseptic to the puncture area.
• Limit bladder irrigation to absolute necessity using sterile equipment and fluids.
• Educate the patient on necessary hygiene and self-care.
• Perform regular urine cultures.

Preventing Surgical Site Infections

• Pre-hospitalization: Reduce preoperative hospital stay duration.
• Preoperative: Perform full-body shower or bath; shave the site immediately before surgery; apply antiseptic to the incision site.
• Intraoperative: Maintain good surgical technique; minimize operation duration; use closed drainage systems.
• Postoperative: Apply aseptic techniques for surgical wound care.

Prevention of Bacteremia

• Provide adequate personnel training for proper catheter use.
• Follow strict established prevention protocols.
• Place catheters only when clinically indicated.
• Remove catheters as soon as they are no longer necessary.
• Use the smallest gauge catheter possible.