The Heavy Hitters: Three Essentials for Exam Room Infection Prevention

Medical mask, gloves, and soap dispenser on black background

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Is your practice ready to face this cold and influenza season? Now's the time to ensure your exam room is stocked with the latest infection prevention essentials.

Gloves, masks, and surface disinfectants are the heavy hitters of infection prevention. While they may seem obvious, these 3 indispensable products can help defend against pathogens and streamline workflows.

Let’s review these infection prevention powerhouses and how to find the right one for your practice.

1: Gloves – A Force to be Reckoned With

As we all know, gloves are vital in infection control (especially during cold and influenza season), acting as a protective barrier between pathogens and health care professionals. They can help prevent the transmission of pathogens by minimizing direct contact with contaminated surfaces, bodily fluids, or infected individuals. But not all gloves are created equal. Depending on your practice and patient needs, different materials are available for gloves, such as:

Nitrile

Nitrile gloves are highly durable and provide excellent protection against pathogens, making them popular in health care settings.

Latex

Latex gloves offer superior elasticity but may cause allergic reactions in some individuals. So, it is important to know if latex gloves are the right option for you and your patient.

Chloroprene

Chloroprene gloves are a versatile option in health care settings, offering a balance of strength, flexibility, and comfort.

While numerous glove options are available, it’s essential to carefully assess your specific needs to most suitable option for optimal protection and performance. Be sure also to consider glove sizing, fit, and comfort.

2: Masks—The Big Shot

Masks are also critical for helping to prevent the spread of infection, protecting health care professionals and patients by reducing the risk of airborne transmission through respiratory droplets. However, different types of masks provide varying levels of protection based on the clinical environment.

Selecting the appropriate mask based on the level of exposure and risk is vital to maintaining infection control and ensuring the safety of both patients and staff. Consider the different levels and types of specialty masks used during various procedures. Use higher-level masks, such as N95 Respirators, when the risk of respiratory droplets and aerosols is heightened.

For additional comfort and enhanced protection, consider incorporating masks with extra breathing room, anti-fog features, or those designed for sensitive skin. Having a range of mask options available can help ensure both protection and comfortability. Here are examples of various options.

3: Surface Disinfectants – The Mover and Shaker

Surface disinfectants help eliminate a wide range of pathogens in health care settings. Intermediate-level surface disinfectants are designed to kill infectious agents that can survive on surfaces, vital in preventing the transmission of respiratory viruses like influenza and tuberculosis. In high-touch areas, such as exam rooms and on medical equipment, frequent disinfection with intermediate-level products ensures that surfaces remain free from contaminants, minimizing the risk of cross-contamination between patients and health care providers. These disinfectants are typically effective against nonenveloped viruses, bacteria, mycobacteria, and fungi, offering a broader spectrum of protection. Regular use of these products is essential for maintaining a safe and clean environment, supporting infection control protocols, and protecting patients and health care professionals.

Keep in mind these different factors to consider when choosing the best surface disinfectant for your practice:

• Patient load: If your practice has a fast turnaround time for patients, it may be best to use a surface disinfectant with a fast contact time to help ensure that all pathogens are killed on the clinical contact surface before the next patient arrives.
• Broad-spectrum disinfection: To provide comprehensive protection, opt for a disinfectant that effectively kills a wide range of pathogens, including mycobacteria.
• Material compatibility: Every active ingredient may have unique interactions

with different surface material types. Choose one that can work well with most clinical contact surfaces and equipment materials.

Staff and Patient Sensitivities: Some individuals can experience adverse effects from the different active ingredients in disinfectants. Choose a disinfectant that does not aggravate staff and patients but still provides strong protection against pathogens throughout your practice.

Conclusion

Preparing for cold and influenza season can help elevate safety throughout your practice. Essential items like gloves, masks, and surface disinfectants play an important role in maintaining a safe practice for patients and health care professionals. By selecting the appropriate protective equipment based on the needs of your practice and patients, the spread of infection can help reduce the effects of this cold and influenza season.