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Infection Control Weekly Monitor

Infection Control Weekly Monitor keeps you up-to-date on what's happening in the world of infection control. Every issue provides useful tips on topics from hand hygiene to improving flu vaccination rates.

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Infection Control Weekly Monitor

Issue 105, December 28, 2011

• HHS seeks comments of healthcare worker flu shot guidance

  The US Department of Health and Human Services is asking for comments on a draft guidance for...

• What healthcare leaders need to know about sharps safety programs

  As a subset of safety culture, sharps safety is critical to protecting healthcare workers.

• Making the case for nurses getting flu shots

  A free, five-minute video makes a compelling case for nurses to receive the influenza vaccination.

• Ask the expert: Passing the buck and the needle on disposal practices

  Q: Who is responsible, the dental assistant or dentist, for the disposing of a contaminated needle...

• Weekly poll: How well did you do this year?

  Given the safety and/or infection prevention challenges faced in 2011 in your healthcare facility...

Issue 104, December 21, 2011

• How the infection prevention Grinch stole Christmas

  At this time of the year it is not just facility safety policies that clash with holiday...

• Study: Workers’ responsible for norovirus outbreak in long-term care facilities

  Ill staff members moving between eight long-term care facilities in southern Nevada may have been...

• Hospital-acquired infections not getting equal treatment

  In the fight against hospital-acquired infections, hospitals are focusing on two sources of...

• Ask the expert: How to dispose of biohazard-labeled specimen bags?

  Q: Is it okay with OSHA to dispose of clear plastic specimen bags with a biohazard label as solid...

• Weekly poll: Safety and holiday decorations

  In your facility this year, did holiday decorations raise any safety or infection control concerns?

Issue 103, December 14, 2011

• Joint Commission offers presentation on revised staff and practitioner flu shot standard

  The Joint Commission has revised the infection control standard that strengthens the requirements...

• Study: Respirator and mask misuse exposed workers to H1N1

  Early in the 2009 H1N1 pandemic, the absence of or improper use of respirators and masks likely...

• More healthcare workers receiving flu shots

  It's so far, so good for flu immunizations and healthcare workers this year.

• Editor’s choice: Puncture brings needlestick safety to the public eye

  The film Puncture offers a mainstream medium for needlestick safety versus manufacturers and...

• Ask the expert: Don’t go overboard on bloody waste

  Q: Our facility’s phlebotomy supervisor changed all the regular waste receptacles to...

• Weekly poll: Working the healthcare worker safety beat

  Whether you are looking for a new job or not, given your commitment to occupational safety and...

Issue 102, December 7, 2011

• More healthcare workers receiving flu shots

  It's so far, so good for flu immunizations and healthcare workers this year.

• Shuffling bacteria when shuffling paper

  While many areas in our lives strive to go paperless, it, meaning paper, is still around, and its...

• Vital stats: Hollywood and healthcare hazards

  The film “Contagion,” released this fall and still showing in theaters, addresses the...

• Editor’s choice: HCPro announces 2011 Nursing Image Award winners

  This year's search for nurse leaders and staff who have helped elevate the image of nursing is...

• Ask the expert: Ask the expert: Blood on medical records

  Q: What is your recommendation for dealing with medical records contaminated with dried blood?

• Weekly poll: Following flu shot and mask wearing recommendations

  How closely does your facility follow the American Hospital Association's recommendations that...

Issue 101, November 30, 2011

• Recommendations for healthcare personnel immunizations updated

  For those responsible for ensuring compliance with healthcare worker immunizations, the CDC has...

• National Influenza Vaccination Week, Dec. 4-12

  National Influenza Vaccination Week highlights the importance of continuing vaccinations during and...

• APIC accepting 2012 film festival entries

  APIC is now accepting entries for the film festival that will be showcased at its annual meeting in...

• Ask the expert: TB skin tests and volunteers

  What does OSHA require for volunteers for TB?

• Weekly poll: Hand hygiene and glove use

  Within your healthcare facility, how confident are you that staff members adhere to the guidelines...

Issue 100, November 23, 2011

• CDC tracking how hospitals use antibiotics

  The CDC is expanding its antibiotic use tracking capabilities.

• The flu, it’s a social thing

  Social determinants such as the lack of paid sick leave contributed to higher risk for certain...

• Editor’s choice: Requiring masks for healthcare workers

  The feature article in the November issue of Briefings on Infection Control looks at AHA's...

• Weekly poll: Integrating facility, patient and worker safety

  How integrated are the facility, patient, and worker safety functions in your healthcare facility?

Issue 99, November 16, 2011

• Study: Glove use does not guarantee clean hands

  The rate of compliance with hand hygiene is significantly lower when gloves were worn.

• OSHA's inspection program includes nursing homes

  Occupational injuries among healthcare workers are too high and nursing homes are the first places...

• Notes from the field: You haven't switched to safety devices, YET!

  In doing mock OSHA inspections, OSHA Healthcare Advisor blogger Kathy Rooker has heard every excuse...

• Infection control survey: Give us your feedback!

  To ensure that HCPro meets your infection control compliance and training products and services...

• Ask the expert: Must engaged safety needles go into sharps containers?

  Q: Once the safety device is engaged on a contaminated needle, may I dispose of it as red bag waste...

• Weekly poll: OSHA and healthcare national emphasis programs

  Are you in favor of more OSHA National Emphasis Programs directed toward healthcare?

Issue 98, November 9, 2011

• Survey measures prevalence of mandatory flu shots policies

  A report of a survey appearing in the December issue of Clinical Infectious Diseases shows that...

• More ambulatory surgery centers taking OSHA hits

  Bloodborne pathogens violations in ambulatory surgery centers and physician offices make up the...

• Editor’s choice: Reacting to flu shot resisters

  OSHA Healthcare Advisor asked readers for their reactions to colleagues who resist mandatory flu...

• Ask the expert: Sharps injury log exemption and bloodborne pathogens training

  Q: If my company is exempt from recordkeeping because we are considered a low-hazard industry, are...

Issue 97, November 2, 2011

• Infection control resources for patients with cancer

  The CDC introduced new educational and patient care tools as part of the agency's Preventing...

• Study examines MRSA colonization in the NICU

  Infants in NICU units were more likely to be colonized with MRSA through siblings than from other...

• Editor’s Choice: It’s time for hospitals to address workplace bullying

  If you thought bullying was only a problem among teenagers in school settings, think again...

• Ask the expert: What occupations are subject to bloodborne pathogens regulations?

  Q: What healthcare occupations does the OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens standard cover?

• Weekly poll: CDC and minimum expectations for outpatient infection control

  Does your outpatient setting meet the requirement of having at least one individual with training...

Issue 96, October 26, 2011

• CDC: MRSA down but C. difficile up

  The CDC says that some healthcare-assisted infections are on the decline, but that clostridium...

• FDA says no to jet injector flu shots

  The FDA, in an October 21 announcement, is advising healthcare professionals not to use injector...

• Editor’s choice: Hand hygiene videos and reducing healthcare-associated infections

  Self-produced hand hygiene videos are popular educational tools for healthcare worker compliance...

• Ask the expert: Timing for new employee bloodborne pathogens training

  Q: What is the timing on training new employees on bloodborne pathogens hazards?

• Weekly poll: Injury and illness rates in healthcare

  Do you think the workplace injury and illness rate in healthcare will ever approach the national...

Issue 95, October 19, 2011

• CDC hepatitis report gives needlestick exposure stats

  According to CDC surveillance of 1,287 hepatitis B case reports, 4.8% involved accidental...

• California law requires ambulatory surgery center accreditation

  California ambulatory surgery centers will operate under closer scrutiny from the state.

• Best practices posted for safe vaccine storage and handling

  The CDC has updated its vaccine storage and handling guide, according to IAC Express, October...

• Editor’s Choice: Hospitals seeing red, as in more bloodborne pathogens violations

  OSHA has hit hospitals with more and higher fines for bloodborne pathogens violations compared to...

• Ask the expert: Bloodborne pathogens training records

  Q: What is the timing on training new employees on bloodborne pathogens hazards?

• Weekly poll: Safe patient handling and lifting

  Recent passage in California of a safe patient handling and lifting law, and focus by NIOSH on the...

Issue 94, October 12, 2011

• Study cautions on home scrub laundering

  A recent study shows that the newer energy-saver washing machines may not be able to stand up...

Issue 87, August 24, 2011

• Editor’s Choice: IC considerations for reopening a healthcare facility after a disaster

  The August issue of Briefings on Infection Control looks at the role infection preventionists...

Issue 81, July 13, 2011

• Ask the expert: Frequency of TB skin tests

  Q: How often should employees in healthcare settings have a PPD after the baseline test when they...

Issue 94, October 12, 2011

• Celebrate International Infection Prevention Week, October 16-22

  This year marks the 25th anniversary for International Infection Prevention Week October 16-22.

• CDC hepatitis report includes outbreak investigations in healthcare facilities

  The CDC has posted the Viral Hepatitis Surveillance report which analyzed outbreak investigations...

• Joint Commission reports on CAUTI

  The Joint Commission has released a report on the leading cause of health care-associated infection...

• Editor’s Choice: Needlestick hazards in nonhospital settings? Better believe it

  In the October Medical Environment Update healthcare safety experts show how needlestoick hazards...

• Ask the expert: Laundry and water temperature

  Q: Are there water temperature requirements for washing linen soiled with blood in healthcare...

• Weekly poll: How safe are your home-laundered scrubs?

  How confident are you that laundering your scrubs at home would kill MRSA and other infectious...

Issue 93, October 5, 2011

• Child face mask receives FDA approval

  The FDA has approved a face mask for children to wear as patients when needed in hospitals and...

• Partnering for clean spaces and healthy patients

  Strengthening the relationship between infection prevention and environmental services to improve...

• Study: Pay attention to the germs on the curtains

  Researchers presenting at the 51st Interscience Conference on Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy...

• Editor’s Choice: Protecting your vaccine supply

  An estimated 17%-37% of medical practices expose vaccines to improper storage and handling...

• Ask the expert: Declining and then accepting the hepatitis B vaccination

  Q: If an employee initially declined the hepatitis B vaccination, must the employer make the...

• Weekly poll: PPE and one size does not fit all

  Given the PPE that you wear on the job, how well does it fit?

Issue 92, September 28, 2011

• Wear an orange nose and share what you know about good health

  October 5 is orange nose day, where healthcare professionals can surprise patients, visitors and...

• CDC reports on waterborne disease outbreaks

  A report in Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report analyzed waterborne disease outbreaks that...

• Massachusetts posts healthcare facility worker flu shot rates

  The Massachusetts Office of Health and Human Services has posted its annual list of healthcare...

• Editor’s Choice: Free bedbug advice for healthcare facilities

  Check out the Briefings on Infection Control article: “Bedbugs: What to do when bedbugs...

• Weekly poll: New hires and hepatitis B protection

  Do you find it easy or difficult to verify hepatitis B immunity status when hiring new healthcare...

Issue 91, September 21, 2011

• Waterborne infection suspected at NYC cancer center

  Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York City is warning patients and staff members not...

• Study finds nursing home worker flu shots key to outbreak prevention

  In preventing influenza outbreaks in nursing homes, it may be more important for nursing home...

• Healthcare workers, here’s a contest you don’t want to win

  Healthcare workers, enter this contest for two months paid time off. All you have to do is suffer a...

• Editor’s Choice: Free webcast offered on ending bullying and toxic behavior in nursing

  Join HCPro for a live, free, 60-minute webcast, A Conversation with Kathleen Bartholomew: End...

• Ask the expert: Roaming with contaminated sharps

  Q: For a typical doctor’s office with treatment rooms, we have to leave the treatment room...

• Weekly poll: Healthcare workers and the "Contagion" buzz

  Does the "Contagion" movie Hollywood buzz help or hinder the role of healthcare workers...

Issue 90, September 14, 2011

• Washington State claims highest hospital worker flu shot coverage

  Hospital workers in Washington state lead the nation in flu immunizations.

• Donning and doffing PPE the mnemonic way

  Do your employees find it difficult to remember the order in which they should put on and take off...

• Editor's choice: From bedside to courtroom

  Without appropriate infection control policies, hospitals and other types of healthcare facilities...

• Vital stats: Infection prevention for outpatient settings

  There has been a lot of focus in the past two years on infection prevention in healthcare...

Issue 89, September 7, 2011

• Clinic warns patients of possible hepatitis and HIV transmissions

  Dean Clinic, Madison, WI, is notifying 2,345 patients that they may have been exposed to bloodborne...

• New Jersey, no garden state for bedbugs

  New Jersey isn’t sleeping tight with bedbugs as the state’s Senate passed a bill...

• Study: Patient safety trumps personal safety for motivating hand washing

  The best way to get healthcare workers to wash their hands is not to scare them about their own...

• Ask the expert: Limiting glove use in home healthcare

  Q: In home healthcare who is responsible for purchasing gloves–employer, employee, or...

• Weekly poll: Can you pass the "Joisey" bedbug test?

  Could you show proof of a bedbug extermination plan being in place in your healthcare facility?

Issue 88, August 31, 2011

• HAI rates and costs dropping in California

  In California a three-year campaign to cut healthcare-associated infections is beginning to payoff...

• Bill proposes jail time for poor infection control practices

  A bill proposed by U.S. Rep. Mike Turner (R-OH) would allow fines and imprisonment for Veterans...

• Bill proposes jail time for poor infection control practices

  A bill proposed by U.S. Rep. Mike Turner (R-OH) would allow fines and imprisonment for Veterans...

• Bill proposes jail time for poor infection control practices

  A bill proposed by U.S. Rep. Mike Turner (R-OH) would allow fines and imprisonment for Veterans...

• Bill proposes jail time for poor infection control practices

  A bill proposed by U.S. Rep. Mike Turner (R-OH) would allow fines and imprisonment for Veterans...

• Body scanners bringing fashion and fit to PPE

  The practicality of custom-tailored isolation gowns may not be right around the corner, but...

• Editor’s Choice: A cut too deep--Environmental staff and HAI risks

  Cutting environmental staff and budgets may be penny wise and pound foolish when it comes to the...

• Ask the expert: Employer says no to providing free hepatitis B vaccinations

  Q: Are the owners of an assisted living facility required to offer hepatitis B vaccinations free of...

• Weekly poll: Will you have more resources for emergency preparedness next year?

  This year, healthcare facilities have already dealt with floods, tornadoes, earthquakes, and...

Issue 87, August 24, 2011

• CDC reports on flu vaccination among healthcare workers

  Despite recommendations from government agencies, influenza advisory committees, healthcare...

• Free webcast offered on ending bullying and toxic behavior in nursing

  Join HCPro for a live, free, 60-minute webcast, A Conversation with Kathleen Bartholomew: End...

• AHA endorses mandatory flu shots for healthcare workers

  The AHA has endorsed mandatory patient safety policies that require healthcare workers to be...

• Study connects obesity with flu hospitalizations

  Canadian researchers have found a "connection between obesity and respiratory hospitalizations...

• Weekly poll: Speaking up for safety as a patient

  As a patient, if you observed your caregiver not following hand hygiene or glove use protocols...

Issue 86, August 17, 2011

• Healthcare workers overlooking surface contamination hazards

  Healthcare workers may not appreciate the infection transmission risks when touching potentially...

• Officials find fault with infection control in Illinois surgery centers

  Illinois health officials found infection control gaps in 14 of the 21 same-day surgery centers...

• Study: Regulations result in decrease in sharps disposal injuries

  A study conducted by the International Healthcare Worker Safety Center at the University of...

• Editor’s Choice: Infection control gaps in ASCs

  Ambulatory surgery centers (ASC) continue to squirm under the regulatory microscope on infection...

• Weekly poll: Safety and progressive disciplinary policy

   Does your facility have a written progressive disciplinary policy that applies to workplace...

Issue 85, August 10, 2011

• Just the facts...just doesn’t work on vaccinations

  The facts aren't enough to overcome the public's increasing distrust of vaccination programs.

• Study examines stethoscopes vs. hands as contamination source

  Using gloves as a precaution against contamination during a physical exam may be offset by your...

• Court to allow alternative testimony on Nevada hepatitis cases

  A Nevada Supreme Court ruling will allow drug company defendants to propose alternative theories in...

• Editor’ s Choice: Planning for the worst: IC considerations when disaster strikes

  The feature article for the August Briefings on Infection Control looks at the roles infection...

• Ask the expert: Needlesticks and contract employees

  Q: Who is responsible for the management of a needlestick exposure to a contract employee? A nurse...

• Weekly poll: Reacting to flu shot resisters?

  How do you react to healthcare workers who resist mandatory seasonal influenza policies when...

Issue 84, August 3, 2011

• Healthcare students fall short of passing Hep B grade

  Healthcare students may be entering their profession not fully protected from one of its deadly...

• Study: One in three people affected by healthcare-associated infections

  A survey revealed that 34% of U.S. adults have, or know someone who has, acquired an infection...

• Editor’s Choice: Lab accreditor changes CJD-related guidelines

  Terry Jo Gile, MT(ASCP), MA Ed., The Safety Lady®, reports on a change from the Laboratory...

• Six hepatitis deaths brings $16K fine for assisted living center

  An assisted living center where six residents died from hepatitis B as a result of unsafe blood...

• Ask the expert: Flu shot resources for skittish healthcare workers

  Q: Many of my staff members are afraid of the influenza vaccination. Can you suggest resources to...

• Weekly poll: What’s riskier, a hospital stay or air travel?

  Do you agree with the statement by a World Health Organization official that a hospital stay places...

Issue 83, July 27, 2011

• Free webinar to focus on sharps safety in nonhospital settings

  The International Healthcare Worker Safety Center is sponsoring a free webinar on an overlooked...

• Study: Clinical and nonclinical workers susceptible to H1N1

  Nonclinical healthcare workers were just as likely to come down with the flu as were clinical...

• Video instructs on safe injection practices

  The Immunization Action Coalition is promoting a free video focusing on eliminating unsafe...

• Editor's choice: 2011 HCPro Nursing Image Awards

  The HCPro 2011 Nursing Image Awards honor nurses whose leadership, teamwork, or clinical expertise...

• Ask the expert: Who pays when a TB skin test isn’t possible

  Q: What is the responsibility for a company to pay for a chest x-ray in place of a PPD for TB...

• Weekly poll: Is your boss a champion or nemesis of workplace safety?

  Taking a cue from the film "Horrible Bosses," what role does your boss play in supporting...

Issue 82, July 20, 2011

• CDC posts infection control checklist for outpatient settings

  As a companion to the infection prevention guide for outpatient settings released in May, the CDC...

• Study: MRSA lower in coffee and tea drinkers

  Perhaps you should include Starbucks as a resource for future infection prevention plans.

• NIOSH is all go on STOP STICKS campaign

  NIOSH aims to raise awareness among healthcare workers about the dangers of needlesticks and other...

• Flu-season vaccines approved by FDA

  The FDA announced approval of the influenza vaccine formulation for the 2011-2012 influenza season...

• Editor’s choice: Sample environmental cleaning checklist

  It is imperative that infection control departments partner with environmental services to ensure...

• Weekly poll: Infection control for outpatient settings

  Do you think that the CDC guide and checklist for Infection Prevention in Outpatient Settings...

Issue 81, July 13, 2011

• Stakeholders to convene on infectious disease standard

  OSHA published notice of two stakeholder meetings focusing on a infectious disease standard.

• Airborne influenza and the effect of indoor humidity

  Influenza A virus inactivation rate and respiratory droplet size is highly affected by the humidity...

• Study: Bedpans overlooked as infection source

  Unlike in the U.S., hospitals in the Netherlands take the bedpan seriously.

• Joint Commission: Infection control worksheet not just for ASCs

  The CMS infection control worksheet can be a valuable educational tool for various types of...

• Editor’s choice: Tapping into electronic faucet risks

  The July issue of Briefings on Infection Control takes a close look at the study sparking a debate...

Issue 80, July 6, 2011

• A look at IC's top 10 challenges

  Infection control professionals at the annual Association for Professionals in Infection Control...

• Infection control group announces film fest winners

  The Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology announced the winners of a...

• Using duct tape as an isolation precaution tool

  Don't ever underestimate the utility of duct tape—the stuff that literally holds the world...

• Editor’s choice: Infection control and MRIs

  MRI areas present unique infection control challenges.

• Ask the expert: When in doub--or ignorant--blame it on OSHA

  Q: Is it an OSHA regulation that a carry-out coffee with a lid on the container cannot be brought...

• Weekly poll: To sleep, perchance to dream

  Regardless of whether you have ever worked extended shifts, have you ever felt your personal safety...

Issue 79, June 29, 2011

• Infection control organizations issue statement on touchless faucets in healthcare

  APIC, ASHE, SHEA, and Facility Guidelines Institute, have formed a stakeholders coalition to study...

• APIC introducing patients to infection preventionists

  Raising patient awareness on the role played by infection preventionists in keeping them safe from...

• Nudging, a good way to get unstuck on flu shots

  The likelihood of someone committing to an action, such as a flu shot, increases if you get them to...

• What’s lurking in the corners of your OR?

  Got nasty things lurking in the corners of your operating rooms?

• Editor’s choice: Talking points when implementing a mandatory flu vaccination program

  Thinking of initiating a mandatory flu shot policy for your healthcare facility? Download the free...

• Weekly poll: Workplace flu shots

  Given the special need for influenza vaccination among healthcare workers, does your workplace...

• Nominate a star for the HCPro 2011 Nursing Image Awards

  Nominations are open for the HCPro 2011 Nursing Image Awards, which honor nurses whose leadership...

Issue 78, June 22, 2011

• FDA: Wipe that sterile prep pad off your business plan, for now

  Looks like the FDA is doing a bit of disinfecting of its own, business practice-wise.

• Survey reports on home health agency response to H1N1 pandemic

  Home health agencies struggled in response to the 2009 H1N1 pandemic, according to an article...

• Who was that masked man? Somebody without a flu shot

  Requiring workers who decline flu shots to wear masks from November through March is credited with...

• When safety and infection control cooperate on Joint Commission standards

  "If it takes a village to raise a child, you might say that it takes a team effort to ensure...

• Editor’s Choice: Sample weekly infection control checklist for construction projects

  Maintaining infection control integrity is a concern during renovation and construction.

• Nominate a star for the HCPro 2011 Nursing Image Awards

  Nominations are open for the HCPro 2011 Nursing Image Awards, which honor nurses whose leadership...

Issue 77, June 15, 2011

• Comparing states on flu shot coverage

  A CDC report shows how states compared on vaccination coverage for last year’s flu season and...

• Convenience kits recalled for contaminated wipes

  Healthcare facilities using Churchill Medical Systems convenience kits should check the June 3 FDA...

• Editor's Choice: Top downloads for 20111

  One of the most popular features of HCPro’s OSHA Healthcare Advisor is the Tools page, which...

• Q&A: Yes or no on mandatory flu shots?

  Q: What is OSHA’s position on mandatory flu shots for healthcare workers?

• Weekly poll: Reaching the flu shot goal

  By 2020, will the U.S. meet the CDC’s Healthy People influenza vaccination rate target of 80...

• Infection prevention experts wanted

  Have something to say about important topics in infection prevention? HCPro is interested in...

Issue 76, June 8, 2011

• CMS institutes payment adjustments for healthcare-acquired conditions

  Provider-preventable conditions, including healthcare-acquired conditions, are now subject to...

• MRSA infection rates tracked by Google

  Big brother is MRSA watching. And its name is Google.

• Editor’s Choice: Suggested work restrictions for healthcare workers

  Have questions about when healthcare workers can resume duty without compromising your infection...

• Q&A:Carts and sharps containers

  Q: Are there compliance issues with placing a sharps disposal container on top of a mobile blood...

• Weekly poll: Worried about germs on cell phones?

  Is cell phone usage a detriment to patient and worker safety in your healthcare facility?

• Infection prevention experts wanted

  Have something to say about important topics in infection prevention?

Issue 75, June 1, 2011

• Survey shows worldwide noncompliance for hand hygiene

  A survey distributed globally by the World Health Organization (WHO) found that nearly 50% of...

• Possible tuberculosis exposure in Georgia hospital

  A healthcare worker at a Georgia hospital may have exposed patients and staff members to...

• New National Patient Safety Goal focuses on CAUTI prevention

  The Joint Commission has released a new 2012 National Patient Safety Goal concerning...

• Editor’s Choice: Contact Precautions Checklist

  Use this tool to assess the contact precautions policy for your facility.

• Weekly Poll: Weather-related emergency action plans and evacuations

  The tornado that ripped through St. John’s Regional Medical Center in Joplin, MO, serves as a...

Issue 74, May 25, 2011

• Poster intervention improves hand hygiene in hospital cafeterias

  A new study found that by implementing a poster intervention tool in hospital cafeterias improves...

• Guidelines released by the CDC for infection prevention in outpatient care settings

  The CDC released its guidelines and recommendations for outpatient ambulatory care settings on May...

• New York bill would create infection-prevention dress code

  A state legislation proposed by the Independent Democratic Conference of New York, would put...

• Editor’s Choice: Briefings on Infection Control- Rise in Pertussis rates call for vaccination efforts

  The May issue of Briefings on Infection Control focuses on pertussis, also known as whooping cough...

• Weekly poll: Workplace safety and health achievements

  The CDC included occupational health on its list of Ten Great Public Health Achievements in the...

Issue 73, May 18, 2011

• CDC publishes norovirus guidelines for healthcare facilities

  The CDC released a set of guidelines about preventing and controlling norovirus specific to...

• Interactive online program helps prevent HAIs

  An online virtual training program called Partnering to Heal: Teaming-Up Against...

• New guidelines for reprocessing gastrointestinal endoscopes

  Guidelines for properly reprocessing flexible gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopes have been updated...

• Ask the expert: What, no gloves needed in blood donation centers?

  Q: A sign on the wall of a blood bank says, “Gloves are not required when drawing blood. If...

• Weekly poll: Reaction to healthcare facilities with OSHA violations

  Does a report of serious OSHA violations at a healthcare facility affect whether you would seek...

Issue 72, May 11, 2011

• Study finds some refillable soap dispensers may contribute to contamination

  A new study found that washing your hands with soap from a bulk-soap-refillable dispenser may...

• Infection control violations found in 15% of nursing homes

  A study published in the May issue of the American Journal of Infection Control found that 15% of...

• FDA plans to improve design and instructions for reusable medical devices

  The FDA has announced steps to decrease risk of bacterial exposure from reusable medical devices...

• Editor’s choice: Guidelines to help reduce the spread of MRSA

  The May issue of Briefings on Infection Control discusses preventing MRSA in healthcare settings...

• Weekly poll: Powdered and latex gloves

  What is your reaction to Public Citizen’s recent petitioning of the FDA to ban the use of...

Issue 71, May 4, 2011

• Study finds hospitals unprepared for measles outbreak

  A large outbreak of measles in Tuscon, AZ, prompted a study that found hospitals unprepared in the...

• New website launched to educate about antibacterial soaps

  A website created by two trade groups strives to educate consumers, researchers, and regulators...

• Risk of MRSA in dental offices

  Patients going in for their annual dentist visit may be carriers of MRSA, meaning dental outpatient...

• Editor’s Choice: Hand hygiene data collection worksheet

  Refer to this hand hygiene tool to monitor hand hygiene compliance within your facility and avoid...

• Weekly poll: "Apping" away at work

  A smartphone application has hit hospitals to monitor infection control compliance. How common is...

Issue 70, April 27, 2011

• iScrub application monitors hand hygiene compliance

  A smartphone application created to increase hand hygiene compliance is hitting healthcare...

• Study finds UV powder surveillance improves sanitation

  A study published in the March Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology Journal found that...

• Products aren’t preventing MRSA, FDA warns

  Consumers were warned by the FDA that hand sanitizer and antiseptic products that promote MRSA...

• Transporting blood and urine samples

  Q: Do blood and urine samples need to be in a biohazard bag when transported either by hand, on a...

• Editor’s Choice: Workers’ Memorial Day

  On April 28, recognize workers who died or went through work-related injuries this year for...

Issue 69, April 20, 2011

• New Jersey ASCs cited for IC violations

  A number of infection control violations were found in New Jersey ambulatory surgical centers (ASC).

• HAIs part of $1 billion patient safety initiative

  A $1 billion investment by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services plans to reduce...

• MRSA infection rates drop at VA hospitals after four-year effort

  A study found a 62% decrease in MRSA infections in intensive care units (ICU) at Veterans Affairs...

• Complimentary live demo of HCPro’s Patient Safety Monitor

  Listen to a complimentary live demo of HCPro’s Patient Safety Monitor website that features a...

• Weekly Poll: Would your facility pass an infection control inspection?

  A report released by the New Jersey Department of Health found a series of violations, including...

Issue 68, April 13, 2011

• Nevada working on passing five infection reporting bills

  Five new bills will require Nevada hospitals to increase its reporting on HAIs and allow the public...

• Focus on CLABSI reporting to ensure maximum CMS reimbursement

  Hospitals looking to decrease central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSI) infections...

• Joint Commission video encourages patients to speak up about infection

  The Joint Commission released an animated video called “Speak Up: Infection Control,&rdquo...

• Editor’s Choice: Hand hygiene an important issue

  Hand hygiene stories featured in Infection Control Weekly Monitor prompted a reader to suggest this...

• Weekly Poll: Reviewing safety sharp technology

  OSHA’s safety sharps compliance is featured in the April issue of Medical Environment Update...

Issue 67, April 6, 2011

• New CDC guidelines on bloodstream infections

  The CDC has updated its 2002 bloodstream infection guidelines. The new guidelines address topics...

• Legionella bacteria more common in hands-free faucets

  A study conducted by researchers at The Johns Hopkins Hospital has found that bacteria is more...

• Update in contaminated IV bag deaths

  A pharmacy based in Birmingham, AL, has been linked to the deaths of nine patients from...

• Editor’s Choice: Nine steps to avoid needlesticks

  Needlestick injuries are an ever-present threat in healthcare settings. This nine-step tool can be...

• Weekly Poll: Anesthesia and drug security

  A hospital worker recently died from a suspected overdose of inhaled anesthesia, which he had...

Issue 66, March 30, 2011

• Lack of funding a problem for infection control programs

  Implementing infection control programs in healthcare facilities is hindered due to lack of...

• CDC updates about infected prep pads

  After two incidents in Colorado hospitals involving Bacillus cereus infected alcohol prep pads, the...

• Inspections and registrations are on their way to New Jersey physician surgical facilities

  Inspections by either the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) or one of its...

• 5th Annual AHAP Conference to be held in Las Vegas

  It’s not too late to register for the Association for Healthcare Accreditation Professionals...

• Weekly Poll: Exposure risks as healthcare worker or patient

  Healthcare workers have an increased risk of contracting hepatitis B or C or HIV. However, reports...

Issue 65, March 23, 2011

• Proposed NY bill will penalize medical professionals for infectious disease exposure

  A bill introduced in the New York legislature may make it a felony for medical personnel who...

• Improper endoscope sterilization leads to lawsuit

  A New Orleans hospital was dealt a lawsuit after endoscopes used for procedures such as a...

• Docs dinged for dirty practices

  Two doctors are at fault for putting patients at risk for potential disease exposure. A nephrology...

• Editor’s Choice: Bloodborne pathogen violations in medical practices

  According to an OSHA violation report, a contaminated surface in a medical practice not immediately...

• Weekly Poll: Should healthcare workers be penalized for infectious disease exposures?

  Following a hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV exposure at a New York hospital, a bill introduced...

Issue 64, March 16, 2011

• Teva Pharmaceutical appeals hepatitis verdict

  A verdict is being appealed to the Nevada Supreme Court by Teva Pharmaceutical Industry after an...

• Recall on antiseptic wipes

  A recall on IV PREP Antiseptic Wipes was announced due to concerns of microbial contamination with...

• $20 million settlement proposed by STERIS

  Part of a $20 million lawsuit may be given to customers who purchased a Steris System 1 before...

• Editor’s Choice: 11 steps to prevent infections in the MRI environment

  How can you assist your facility in preventing infections in the MRI? The first step is to develop...

• Weekly Poll: Healthcare workers and chemical hazards

  A survey is being conducted by NIOSH on healthcare workers’ exposure to chemical agents. How...

Issue 63, March 9, 2011

• Bloodstream infection rate down since 2001

  A new CDC report found that central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) decreased 58...

• Bloodstream infection rate down since 2001

  A new CDC report found that central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) decreased 58...

• Bloodstream infection rate down since 2001

  A new CDC report found that central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) decreased 58...

• Bloodstream infection rate down since 2001

  A new CDC report found that central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) decreased 58...

• NIOSH survey focuses on chemical hazards in healthcare

  NIOSH is encouraging healthcare workers to partake in its Health and Safety Practices Survey of...

• Ask the Expert: Soiled utility sinks and sprayers

  Q Do you know whether it is against OSHA regulations to have a sprayer on a soiled utility sink...

• Weekly Poll: Wearing scrubs outside of the hospital

  The Committee to Reduce Infection Deaths in New York City suggest that hospitals should start...

Issue 62, March 2, 2011

• Dont step out of the hospital with clean scrubs

  Wearing your scrubs outside of the healthcare facility may be prohibited because of the possible...

• Healthcare-associated infections linked to patient readmission in PA

  A report released February 25 found that residents of Pennsylvania who contracted an infection...

• Endoscopy units recognized for excellence

  Thirty-five endoscopy units around the country have passed the American Society for...

• Editor’s Choice: Ask the Expert: Close encounters with sharps containers

  Q: Are there guidelines for the distance a sharps container should be from where the sharp is used...

• Weekly Poll: PABR use for respiratory protection

  OHSA’s video, Respiratory Protection for Healthcare Workers, covers how healthcare workers...

Issue 61, February 23, 2011

• Hepatitis B outbreak kills six due to unsafe blood glucose monitoring

  An investigation by the CDC found that a North Carolina assisted-living facility was sharing blood...

• FDA confirms that STERIS System 1E sterilizer does eliminate bacteria

  Following some confusion, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced the STERIS...

• Killing bacteria will soon be as easy as flipping a switch

  Staff at Thomas Memorial Hospital in Charleston, SC, are learning how to operate a 3-foot tall...

• Next year’s flu season strain recommendations announced

  The World Health Organization (WHO) has recommended next year’s influenza vaccines for the...

• Editor’s Choice: CDC FAQ on safe injection practices

  What questions do you have for the CDC concerning safe injection practices? Is it safe to reuse...

Issue 60, February 16, 2011

• No need to wash, dry, or spin cycle those lab coats

  What’s the difference between a long sleeve lab coat that hasn’t been washed for days...

• Inflatable door prevents airborne infections

  An inflatable door used to prevent the risk of airborne infections is helping staff at the Royal...

• When it comes to the airborne flu virus, size matters

  The risk of airborne infections from the influenza A virus depends on size. A study found that the...

• Editor’s Choice: Ask the Expert: Sharps disposal container and exam rooms

  Q: Do sharps disposal containers have to be in each individual exam room or can we have them in the...

• Weekly Poll: What’s your confidence level in protecting staff from pertussis?

  The Joint Commission has released a monograph explaining how healthcare professionals are more...

Issue 59, February 9, 2011

• Sterile prep pads versus non-sterile prep pads

  The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) released a press release reminding healthcare...

• APIC: Make flu shots a condition of employment

  The Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC) is recommending that...

• TJC gives vital information on healthcare personnel and pertussis

  A document released by The Joint Commission finds that healthcare professionals (HCP) are more...

• Marriage status, education, age predict vaccination rates among healthcare workers

  The CDC took data from healthcare workers between the ages of 18 and 64 to analyze vaccination...

• Editor’s Choice: Ask the Expert: Face protection for IV starts

  Q: Is eye protection the standard for starting IVs in a surgery center? I know we have to use...

Issue 58, February 2, 2011

• Best practices for thorough cleaning that will reduce HAIs

  Only 25% to 40% of surfaces near a patient in healthcare facilities meet the definition of...

• Screen for MRSA, save money

  Hospitals could save almost $500 per hospital admission if early MRSA screenings were conducted in...

• New online resource offers information on CLABSIs

  A website launched by the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology...

• Editor’s Choice: Hand hygiene data collection worksheet

  Using appropriate hand hygiene practices is important in the healthcare setting when interacting...

• Weekly Poll: The Big Brother approach to hand hygiene

  A new hand hygiene monitoring system lights up healthcare workers’ badges if they don’t...

Issue 57, January 26, 2011

• Poll shows Americans want government out of their antibacterial soap

  The American Cleaning Institute and Personal Care Products Council released a poll that found most...

• Cough up your HAI rates, Kentucky

  Kentucky hospitals may soon have to report all hospital acquired infections and execute...

• California hospitals strive to improve infection rates

  One may be the loneliest number, but zero is the greatest number. All 42 elevators inside...

• Editor’s choice: Contact Precautions Checklist

  Use this contact precautions checklist when a patient may have an infection that could potentially...

• Weekly Poll: Healthcare workers and antibacterial soap

  With healthcare workers performing hand hygiene more than the average U.S. consumer, is there a...

Issue 56, January 19, 2011

• And your new ICU roommate is?

  No one. A study done by a research team from the McGill University Health Center (MUHC) in...

• Turn on the light and say byebye to germs

  A West Virginia hospital started using a device with an ultraviolet light to disinfect rooms.

• Editor’s Choice: Safety and infection control audio conference survey

  To ensure that HCPro meets your expectations in 2011 for safety and infection control audio...

• Possible cure on the way for hepatitis C

  The hepatitis C virus may be cured soon as two drugs entering the market promise to assist in...

• The ultimate safety policy is as simple as: "That’s disgusting!"

  Avoiding things that humans react to as disgusting may be more important than workplace safety and...

Issue 55, January 12, 2011

• Toolkit prepares nursing homes for influenza pandemic

  A toolkit created by the New Jersey Hospital Association is available for nursing homes statewide...

• Recall of alcohol prep pads, alcohol swabs, and alcohol swabsticks

  Triad Group, an over-the-counter manufacturer has recalled all lots of alcohol prep pads, alcohol...

• What’s that MRSA doing in your nose?

  Well, it’s actually taking over other parts of your body. A new study done at Rhode Island...

• Editor’s choice: Sharps Evaluation Results

  A new form posted on the OSHA Healthcare Advisor Tools page assists Safety Officers with collecting...

• Weekly Poll: New technology and its effect on your safety

  As technology evolves in the healthcare workplace, the possibility of harm can be questioned. After...

Issue 54, January 5, 2011

• Survey finds Americans likely to work while sick

  When you wake up with a stuffy head, and a dripping nose, the last thing you want to do is put on...

• California health officials find flawed infection data

  Last week, California introduced Nile’s Law, which was scheduled to go into effect Monday...

• Color me infected

  You know that mouthwash that turns your teeth blue if plaque is still lingering? Or those rings...

• Editor’s Choice: Healthcare worker medical glove checklist

  Wearing medical gloves are an important factor in infection control. But when do you wear these...

• Weekly Poll: Working while ill

  A survey done by Halls, the cough drop maker, found that economic considerations play a significant...

Issue 9, September 7, 2011

• California dental practices now subject to revised infection control regulations

  California dental practices are required to operate under revised infection control regulations...