Infection Control: Preparation of Work Area And Bag Technique SECTION: 14-2

_x _RN _x_ LPN/LVN__HHA

PURPOSE:

To prevent contamination of bag and equipment, avoid cross infection, and establish a clean work area.

CONSIDERATIONS:

1. Clinical staff is responsible for maintaining the cleanliness and completeness of the bag.

2. As homes differ greatly, clinical staff will need to use judgment in selecting an appropriate work area. Considerations include: cleanliness of home, adequate lighting, low traffic area, away from direct currents from windows, heat or air conditioning vents, safe area for bag away from pets and children.

3. Bag must be thoroughly cleaned if soiled and periodically as needed.

VNS procedure:

The outside of bag is cleaned with a cloth dampened with hot soapy water. The inside is cleaned with a disinfectant/alcohol wipe.

Reusable equipment is cleaned with soap and water in the presence of bodily secretions, dried, then wiped with alcohol and allowed to air dry.

4. Disposable equipment is used whenever possible.

5. Patient's equipment is used whenever possible.

6. The inside and contents of the bag are always considered clean.

EQUIPMENT

Standard Contents

Ba Bag with 3 zippered compartments
Paper Towels
Liquid Soap
Antiseptic Hand
Cleanser/Towelette
Hand Lotion
Sterile Barrier
Stethoscope
Sphygmomanometer
Digital Thermometer /Sheaths
Gloves: Sterile
Gloves: Non-Sterile
Goggles
Alcohol Swabs
Measuring Tapes (Paper)
Bandage Scissors
Cotton Tipped Applicators, Sterile
Sterile 4x4
Gown
Tape
Penlight / Tweezers
Mask: Surgical
Mask: CPR
Mask: N95 Respirator
Lancets, Unistik
Syringe: Safety Lok
3cc (22x1 ½”; 25x 55/8”)
Syringe: Safety Lok
Insulin 1cc (29x1/2”)
Optional Contents
Staple Removal Set
Suture Removal Set
Urine Container, Sterile
Flashlight
Tape Measure cloth
Aprons
Syringe: Safety Lok 10cc
(21 x 11/2”)
Syringe: Safety Lok 5 cc
(21 x 1 ½’)
Syringe: Safety Lok 1cc
(27 x ½”)


PROCEDURE:

1. Adhere to Standard Precautions.

2. Select a flat, hard surface to place bag and set up work area. Use discretion and consideration when placing bag on patient’s furniture. Never place a non-rolling bag on floor. Keep bag closed when not in use. (Note: According to APIC, there is no scientific basis for barrier placement, studies have not shown that a barrier placed under a nursing bag in the home is effective against preventing the transmission of infections.)

3. Perform hand hygiene. (See Hand Hygiene)

4. Remove needed items from bag and place on clean barrier.

5. Decontaminate hands prior to re-entering bag for any reason.

6. Following care: clean, reusable items (blood pressure cuff, etc.) are returned to the bag. Disposable items are discarded. (See Disposal/Handling of Infectious Medical Waste,, if applicable.) Soiled reusable items must be cleaned and disinfected prior to returning to the bag. (See Cleaning Equipment and Instruments and Disinfection of Instruments & Equipment Using Disinfecting Agents) In the event soiled items cannot be cleaned in the home, bag and label item to transport to designated area.

8.  Decontaminate hands.

Note: see MRSA procedure regarding bag precautions applicable for home visits to patients with known or suspected MRSA.