This if very good information, both specifically and in general. For
those of you non-Floridians on list, the Florida Association of O&P has
an online infectious disease course specifically geared towards the O&P
field. This course is required for every Florida licensee. For more
info go to FAOP.org.
Morris Gallo, LPO
On 1/10/11 6:57 PM, Paul Prusakowski wrote:
> (Thanks John for submitting this) -Paul
>
>
>
> Hi Paul, I received this question from a CPO with a question on treating a
> patient with the highly Communicable Disease C-Diff. I am sure that this is
> not an isolated incident within our field..We are seeing a high number of
> patients both in the Hospital and in our offices. These types of patients
> pose new questions for us to protect ourselves, other patients , co-workers
> and Our Families from BloodBorne Pathogens..
>
> John
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> Hi John,
>
> We have a patient in the hospital w/ c diff. The MD wants a rigid dressing
> on them. Can a cast saw be chemically sterilized and will that sterilize c
> diff?
>
> Thanks
>
>
>
> Thanks for your question. First thing that I would do is to cut a small hole
> in the corner of a 1 gallon Zip lock Bag (big enough to slip the plug thru
> but no larger). Then tape the bag closed at the hole with a Non-Porous tape
> (Prosthetic stretch or electrical tape).Use the same tape and tape over the
> vent holes at the rear of the saw (to seal it as much as possible from air
> and contaminated dust. At the Zip lock end, close the bag around the shank
> behind the blade and also seal with tape exposing the blade for use. Protect
> yourself with Hospital Scrubs (if possible), Eye, hair, Respiratory
> protection and NITRILE GLOVES, Shoe Covers with elastic tops and Disposable
> gown. Enter the room.. Remember that plaster (or Fiberglass/) dust becomes
> airborne during the removal procedure. Coat the entire exterior of the
> dressing with a light coating of Petroleum Jelly to control cutting dust
> during and after the procedure.
>
>
>
> AFTER THE SAW IS USED remove the blade and discard in the room. Take the saw
> and remove the zip lock bag inside a RED plastic bag and discard the zip
> lock bag INSIDE the RED bag while removing the saw. Place the saw in another
> RED bag, seal and bring to a clean area. While wearing NITRILE GLOVES, wash
> the outside of the saw and cord thoroughly with the bleach solution and then
> scrub the outside of the saw with hot soapy water with a stiff brush keeping
> overspray to a minimum (preferably in a slop sink or laundry tub). Remove
> the tape from the rear of the saw and wipe the entire housing again with a
> disposable towel and the bleach solution. Install a new blade and the saw is
> should be ready for use clean ALL TOOLS used in the procedure with Bleach
> solution and scrub with Hot Soapy water. remove and discard your gloves wash
> your hands thoroughly with Hot Soapy water as below..
>
>
>
> C. Diff is a potentially serious intestinal infection that is known in the
> medical community as Clostridium difficile. These bacteria produce spores
> that can live on surfaces outside of the body for several days and are thus
> very contagious.
>
> Hand-Washing
>
> Hand-washing is the No. 1 preventative measure in stopping the spread and
> infection of C. Diff. It is important to wash hands with warm water and
> anti-bacterial soap for at least 30 seconds. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers
> are Not effective against C. Diff and will not kill spores that may be on
> the hands.
>
>
>
> Cleaning of Equipment: It is important to clean any areas that the infected
> person comes into contact with daily. Mix 1 part of bleach with 10 parts of
> water as a cleaner and use on O&P Tools, Scissors, sinks, sink and toilet
> handles and doorknobs to kill spores that are in the environment.
>
>
>
> http://www.livestrong.com/article/83728-cdiff-infection- for more
> information about C-dif
>
>
>
> http://www.OandPStudy
> Pathogens Training related to O&P
>
>
>
> John F. Schulte CPO FAAOP
>
> Clinical Educator
>
> The Fillauer Companies Inc.
>
> www.Fillauer.com
>
> Merging Talent with Technology
>
>
>
>
>
>
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