ROLES OF RESPONSIBILITY OF
RADIOGRAPHER TO INFECTION
PREVENTION AND CONTROL.
BY GROUP 2
INTRODUCTION
Definition of infection prevention and control;
Infection prevention and control refers to policies and procedures that are
aimed to minimize the risk of spreading infections.
To provide high quality health care to patients and clients there are
recommended principles of infection prevention and control namely;
1. Hand washing
2.Appropriate protective wear
3.Decontamination
4. Proper sterilization
5. Isolation
6. Proper waste management and disposal
7. Disinfection of the working areas.
Infection prevention in health care facilities has two primary objectives:
1. Protecting Patients
The first objective of infection prevention in radiography facilities is to protect patients from acquiring healthcare-
associated infections. Radiography patients are often vulnerable to infections due to their underlying medical conditions,
weakened immune systems, or the invasive procedures they may undergo. Radiographers have a responsibility to prevent the
transmission of infections between patients, as well as to prevent the introduction of new infections into the facility.
2.Protecting Healthcare workers.
The second objective of infection prevention in radiography facilities is to protect healthcare workers from acquiring
infections. Radiographers and other healthcare workers are at risk of exposure to infectious agents.. Infection prevention
measures, such as using personal protective equipment (PPE) and following proper hand hygiene practices, can help protect
healthcare workers from acquiring infections. By protecting healthcare workers, infection prevention efforts can also help
prevent the spread of infections to other patients and the community.
The recommended infection prevention practices are based on the following principles:
1. Consider every person (patients/client, health workers and community infectious.
2. Wash hands, before, after every procedure and whenever necessary.
3. Wear protective gear such as gloves goggles, face masks and aprons before working on the patient.
4. Properly disposing of medical waste.
5. Isolate all patients with infectious diseases.
6. Process instruments and other items (decontaminate, clean, high-level disinfect and sterilize) using recommended infection
prevention and control practices
HAND WASHING (DOREEN)
Hand washing is a systemic process of cleaning the hands and
arms using soap or any other recommended chemical solutions,
running water and friction to remove dirt , organic materials and
any transient micro organism from hands and arms.
Requirements
1. Running water.
2. Soap in clean dish.
3. Hand towel/disposable towels.
4. Hand rubs such as 70% ethyl alcohol or spirit or
recommended antiseptic
5. Towels.
PROCEDURES OF HAND WASHING AS A
RADIOGRAPHER TO PREVENT INFECTIONS
PROTECTIVE WEAR (SHEILAH)
• Protective gear refers to equipment or clothing designed to
protect the health workers from hazards that could cause
harm or injury and also essential in preventing infections
among them.
Requirements
• 1. Radiation shielding garments
• 2. Shoe covers
• 3. Gloves
• 4. Gowns
• 5. Face shields or goggles
• 6. Masks
PROCEDURES OF PUTTING ON GLOVES.
PRECAUTIONS TAKEN
• Wearing gowns, eye and face protectors are not sterile procedures.
• They should be used once and thoroughly cleaned with soap and water
• immediately after each use.
• In case of contamination with body fluids they are immediately disinfected, washed and dried
and kept in a clean place.
• Sterilize face masks if they are to be re-used
Removing protective gear procedures
1.Removing contaminated or used gloves
• Use dominant hand to grasp the opposite glove near the cuff end on the outside exposed area
• Remove it by pulling it off inverting it as it is pulled, keeping the contaminated area inside.
• Hold the glove in the remaining gloved hand
• Slide fingers of un gloved hand inside remaining glove at the wrist. Avoid touching the outside
of the glove.
• Remove remaining glove by inverting it as it is being pulled off the hand gently securing the
first glove inside.
2. Removing goggles
• - Handle by head band or ear pieces.
• - Lift away from the face
• -Place it in appropriate waste container
•
3. Removing gown.
• - Un-fasten ties.
• - Allow gown to fall away from shoulders
• - Touching only the inside of gown pulls it away from arms
•
4. Removing mask
• -Untie the strings.
• -Remove and discard appropriately.
• -Avoid touching front of the mask.
STANDARD CONDITIONS FOR
STERILISATION (TOM)
• Sterilization is the process of freeing objects/instruments of both pathogenic n non
pathogenic microorganisms including their spores.
Steam Sterilization
• • 121,°C (250°F)
• • 106 kPa (15 Ib/in2) pressure
• • 20 minutes for unwrapped items; 30 minutes for wrapped items.
Dry Heat Sterilization
• • 170°c (340° F)
• • 1 hour {total cycle time-placing instruments in oven, heating to 170°C, timing for 1 hour,
and then cooling-is from 2-2Y2 hours)
Chemical Sterilization
• An alternative to steam or dry-heat sterilization is chemical sterilization by soaking for 8
to 10 hours in a glutaraldehyde or at least 24 hours in an 8% formaldehyde solution.
PROCEDURES FOR STERILISATION TO PREVENT
INFECTIONS AS A RADIOGRAPHER
• 1. Wear personal protective equipment (PPE)
• Before beginning the sterilization process, make sure to wear appropriate
PPE, including gloves, goggles or a face shield, and a gown to protect yourself
from potential exposure to infectious materials
• 2. Clean and decontaminate the area
• Before sterilizing instruments, it's important to clean and decontaminate the
area where the instruments will be sterilized to ensure that the process is
effective.
• 3. Sort instruments
• Sort instruments by type and remove any visible debris or residue. This
ensures that the sterilization process is effective.
• 4. Cleaning
• Clean instruments using a detergent solution and a brush to remove any
remaining debris and organic material. This step is essential in preparing the
instruments for sterilization and preventing the growth of microorganisms.
• 5. Load
• Load the instruments into a sterilization container or package according to the
manufacturer's instructions. Make sure not to overload the container to ensure proper
sterilization.
• 6. Sterilization.
• Place the loaded container or package into the sterilizer, ensuring that the sterilization
parameters, such as temperature and pressure, are set according to the manufacturer's
instructions. Follow institutional policies and guidelines for sterilization procedures.
• 7. Monitoring
• Monitor the sterilization process by using a chemical or biological indicator to ensure
that the sterilization process is effective. This step is essential in preventing the spread of
infections.
• 8. Cooling
• Allow the sterilized instruments to cool before handling.
• 9. Storage
• Store the sterilized instruments in a clean and dry area to prevent contamination until
ready for use.
DECONTAMINATION (KIRABO)
• Decontamination makes objects safer to be handled by health
workers before cleaning.
• It is the first step in processing soiled surgical instruments and
other items.
Cleaning instruments and other items is important because;
• 1. It is the most effective way to reduce the number of
microorganisms on soiled instruments and equipment. (It
reduces up to 80% of contaminating micro organisms)
• 2. Cleaning with soap and water after decontamination reduces
the number of microorganism.
• 3. Neither sterilization nor high-level disinfection procedures
are effective without prior cleaning
Effectiveness of Methods for Processing
Instruments
1.Decontamination Kills HBVand HI 10 minute soak
Effectiveness Removing of mircrobes End point
2.Cleaning Kills HBVand HI 10 minute soak
(water only) Up to 50% Until visibly clean
(detergent and rinsing with Up to 80% Until visibly clean
water)
3.Sterilization 100% High-pressure steam (autoclave),
dry heat or chemical.
Decontamination of soiled instruments or
articles.
Requirements
• Gloves
• Water
• Gown
• Jik/other antiseptics for 10mins
• Container for decontaminant
• Soapy water
•
PROCEDURES USING JIK
• 1. Pour one part of jik in a bucket and add six parts of water in the same bucket.
• 2. Immediately after use put instruments in jik 0.5% for 10 minutes
• 3. Remove instruments from jjk and place them in soapy water
• 4 .Immediately after use, place instruments and other items in 0.5% chlorine solution for 10
minutes.
• 5. Clean instruments thoroughly.
• 6. Decontaminate surfaces(especially procedure tables) that may have come in contact with body
fluids.
• Wipe with a suitable disinfectant, such as 0.5% chlorine solution, before reuse.
PROCUDERS FOR DECONTAMINATION AS A
RADIOGRAPHER TO PREVENT INFECTIONS
1. Wear personal protective equipment (PPE)
• Before beginning the decontamination process, make sure to wear
appropriate PPE, including gloves, goggles or a face shield, and a gown to protect
yourself from potential exposure to infectious materials.
2. Clean and decontaminate the area
• Before beginning any decontamination procedures, it's important to clean and
decontaminate the area where decontamination will occur to ensure that the
process is effective.
3. Remove any visible contamination
• Remove any visible contamination, such as blood or bodily fluids, using
appropriate cleaning solutions and techniques.
4. Apply disinfectant
• Apply an appropriate disinfectant to the surface or instrument being
decontaminated. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for the proper dilution
and contact time of the disinfectant.
5. Allow the disinfectant to sit
• Allow the disinfectant to sit for the recommended amount of
time to ensure that all microorganisms are killed.
6. Rinse and dry
• Rinse the surface or instrument with clean water and dry
thoroughly.
7. Dispose of contaminated materials
• Dispose of all contaminated materials, such as cleaning cloths or
gloves, in the appropriate biohazard waste container.
8. Monitor and document
• Monitor the decontamination process and document all steps
taken to ensure that the process is effective.
ISOLATION/BARRIER (OVURE)
• Isolation nursing is carried out by placing the patient in a single
room or side room or this occurs when extra precautions are
implemented to prevent spread of the microorganism.
Requirements.
• Gloves
• Goggles
• Gown
• Apron
• Mask
• Waste bins (red bin/ highly infectious bin)
• Hand washing requirement
• Separate room or area
PROCEDURES OF ISOLATION AS A
RADIOGRAPHER
1. Check physician's prescription of type of isolation.
2. Review precautions on infectious control measures.
3. Gather all equipment needed before entering the room.
4. Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE)
• Radiographers should wear appropriate PPE, such as gloves, gowns, masks, and
eye protection, when imaging patients with confirmed or suspected infectious
diseases. The type of PPE required may vary depending on the specific infectious
disease.
5. Follow hand hygiene procedures
• Radiographers should follow hand hygiene procedures before and after each
patient interaction, including washing hands with soap and water or using an alcohol-
based hand sanitizer.
6. Use a separate imaging room or area:
• Patients with confirmed or suspected infectious diseases should be imaged in a
separate room or area to prevent the spread of infectious agents to other patients
and healthcare workers.
7. Disinfect equipment and surfaces
• Radiographic equipment and surfaces in the isolation room should
be thoroughly disinfected after each patient use to prevent the spread
of infectious agents.
8. Follow isolation precautions
• Radiographers should follow isolation precautions established by their
healthcare facility, such as using dedicated equipment for isolation
patients, handling infectious materials appropriately, and disposing of
contaminated materials according to established protocols.
9. Communicate with other healthcare workers
• Radiographers should communicate with other healthcare workers
involved in the care of patients with confirmed or suspected infectious
diseases to ensure that appropriate isolation precautions are in place.
WASTE MANAGEMENT (JOSEPHINE)
• Waste management refers to the process of collecting,
transporting, processing, recycling, and disposing of
waste materials in an efficient, safe, and
environmentally responsible manner.
Requirements
• Black bin with liner
• Yellow bin with liner
• Red bucket with liner
• Brown bin with liner
TABLE SHOWING COLOUR CODED BINS FOR
DIFERENT TYPESOF WASTES
FOOD ITEM Non infectious Black Bin with liner
SEGREGATION CATEGORY OF WASTE. COLOURED WASTE BIN
Leftover food, Food peelings
GLASS BOTTLES Empty bottle for
drinks, Glass bottle
INFECTIOUS Infectious Yellow bin with liner
Used gloves, gowns, masks, and
other personal protective
equipment (PPE)
HIGHLY INFECTIOUS Highly infectious Red bin with liner
Catheters, Radioactive
materials, food
from highly infectious patients
PHARMACUTICAL Toxic Brown bin with liner
Expired damaged
Medicines/drugs
PROPER HANDLING OF WASTES AS A
RADIOGRAPHER
1. Waste segregation
• Radiographers should segregate different types of waste according to their color-coded bins. Yellow liners are used
for clinical waste, red liners for hazardous waste, blue liners for non-clinical waste, and black liners for general waste.
2. Waste storage
• Waste should be stored in designated areas that are separate from patient care areas. Waste storage areas
should be secure, clean, and well-ventilated.
3. Waste transport:
• Radiographers should transport waste from patient care areas to the designated waste storage areas using
appropriate waste trolleys or containers.
4. Waste disposal
• Radiographers should ensure that waste is disposed of according to the healthcare facility's policies and
procedures. Clinical and hazardous waste should be disposed of using licensed waste disposal companies. Non-
clinical and general waste can be disposed of using the healthcare facility's waste management systems.
5. Pharmaceutical waste management
• Radiographers should handle and dispose of pharmaceutical waste according to the healthcare facility's policies
and procedures. This includes segregating pharmaceutical waste from other types of waste and disposing of it safely
and securely.
6. Documentation
• Radiographers should document waste management activities, including waste segregation, storage, transport,
and disposal. This documentation should be maintained according to the healthcare facility's policies and procedures.
DISINFECTION/ ROUTINE CLEANING OF THE
WORKING AREA (HOPE)
AREAS
• Magnetic resonance imaging
• Waiting areas
• Ready rooms
• Workstations
Requirements
• Gloves
• Sink with running water
• Disinfectants (jik)
• Cleaning towels
Procedures for disinfecting the working areas as
a radiographer to prevent and control infections
1. Wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
• Before starting the disinfection process, wear appropriate PPE including gloves,
gowns, masks, and goggles to protect against exposure to contaminants and chemical
agents.
2. Clean all equipment and surfaces
• Clean and remove any visible debris or contaminants from the equipment and
surfaces in the radiography room using soap and water.
3. Apply disinfectant
• Prepare and apply a disinfectant solution that is approved by the healthcare
facility and follow the manufacturer's instructions on how to use it effectively. Ensure
that the disinfectant solution comes in contact with all surfaces and equipment in the
radiography room.
4. Allow the disinfectant to sit
• Allow the disinfectant solution to sit for the recommended amount of time as
indicated by the manufacturer's instructions. This will ensure that all the harmful
microorganisms are destroyed.
5. Rinse and dry the equipment and surfaces
• After the recommended time has elapsed, rinse off the
disinfectant solution with clean water and dry all equipment and
surfaces using a clean towel.
6. Document the disinfection process
• Document the disinfection process by recording the types of
disinfectants used, surfaces and equipment cleaned, and the date
and time of disinfection. This helps to ensure that the disinfection
process is consistent and effective
7. Dispose of waste properly
• Dispose of all used or contaminated materials, including PPE and
disinfectant solutions, in the appropriate waste bins following the
healthcare facility's waste management policies and procedures.
