Infection Prevention: 2013 Review and Update for Neurodiagnostic Technologists

ABSTRACT.

Since 1995 ASET has published recommendations for infection prevention (Altman 1995, Altman 2000, Sullivan and Altman 2008). In keeping with the desire of providing current updates every five years, this article reviews the aforementioned past publications and incorporates new information from books and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations. Knowledge of current infection control practices and recommendations is essential for every neurodiagnostic technologist, no matter if employed in a hospital, an ambulatory setting, an intensive care unit, or the operating room. All technologists who have direct patient contact are responsible for ensuring best practices for infection prevention.

KEY WORDS.:

• Blood borne pathogens (BBP)
• clinical contact environmental surfaces
• hand hygiene
• health care-associated infection (HAI)
• high level disinfection
• infection prevention
• non-intact skin
• Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
• personal protective equipment (PPE)
• semi-critical patient care equipment
• standard precautions
• sterilization