Laboratory Infection Control: Essential Procedures for Compliance

Few are more vulnerable to infectious disease exposure than laboratory staff. On a daily basis, laboratorians handle samples, specimens, and substances that, if handled improperly, could infect both staff and patients. Does your lab have a plan in place to handle an infectious disease event? Introducing the first fully comprehensive resource on infection control (IC) written exclusively for labs, Laboratory Infection Control: Essential Procedures for Compliance. This all-in-one IC compliance guide covers all the critical regulatory information lab staff need to know when crafting and following an effective infection control program. As labs face new threats of emerging communicable diseases, infection control has come to the forefront of lab safety. The 2006 Joint Commission laboratory accreditation standards dictate that labs must prepare to respond to an influx of infectious patients. Now, more than ever, it is vital that your lab have a plan in place to - prevent the introduction of healthcare-associated infections - recognize when patients and staff have become infected - contain the risk or spread of infection safely Laboratory Infection Control makes these critical action points easier than ever to implement in your facility. Finally, a resource to meet YOUR needs! Laboratory Infection Control is the only resource available that provides the essential tips, tools, and instructions for creating or redesigning a successful IC plan for labs. In just 150 easy-to-read pages, you'll learn how to assess the risks of transmission of communicable diseases within the lab and create a safe work environment. This user-friendly guide includes all the latest regulations and guidelines from OSHA to the CDC, and offers 1-2-3 strategies for establishing best practice in - employee health and safety - isolation precautions - aseptic techniques - engineering controls - infectious-waste management - hand hygiene - biosafety levels - and more! Published with accompanying CD-ROM, this all-inclusive IC reference provides sample forms and polices which you can customize to your lab's needs and functions immediately! Who should read this book? - lab managers - compliance officers - safety officers - infection control professionals - chemical hygiene officers - medical directors - facilities managers Sample table of contents Introduction: The Importance of Infection Control in the Lab Chapter One: Creating a Program Chapter Two: Biological Safety Principles and Levels Chapter Three: Infectious Disease Threats in the Lab Chapter Four: IC in the Lab Environment Chapter Five: Personal Protective Equipment Chapter Six: Laboratory Design and Physical Requirements Chapter Seven: OSHA Bloodborne Pathogen Standard Chapter Eight: Managing Infectious Materials Chapter Nine: Infection Control Administration & Recordkeeping IC Appendices:Infection Control Plan & IC Competency Assessment IC FAQs: Questions and Answers about IC in the Lab featuring the "Safety Lady," Terry Jo Gile.