| Abstract: |
This article is the second in a three-part series that focuses on how dialysis clinics can improve their management of infectious disease. The author reviews the environmental aspects of infection control in the dialysis clinic. The author notes that the hemodialysis setting presents environmental challenges due to a variety of possible sources of contamination: water, dialysate, frequently touched surfaces, intrinsically contaminated products such as saline and antimicrobial soaps, and extrinsically contaminated products such as multidose vials, refillable soaps, and flushes. In addition, there are multiple patients and staff members following multiple shifts that make standard infection control strategies difficult to maintain. In each area of concern, the author offers specific suggestions for infection control, including the restriction of the use of common supplies, instruments, medication, and trays and carts, as well as proper cleaning and disinfection of surfaces and equipment. The author concludes that the key to preventing infection is adherence to infection control strategies, accomplished by patient and staff education, knowledge, surveillance, and compliance. 4 references. |