OSE_1301_part3_Layout 1 1/11/13 11:02 AM Page 141
INFECTION PREVENTION
also switched from disposable 7515
tions to the spore form."3
blades for cataract procedures to dia-
That is, using the wrong disin-
mond blade knives.
fectant can actually make C.
4. Stretch those drapes. If our physicians agree, we use drapes out of sterile packs that weren't used or touched
diff more difficult to eradicate.
The guide, published by the
on the field for other "clean" proce-
Association for Professionals
dures, such as ENT cases, where we
in Infection Control and
can use "clean" drapes instead of ster-
Epidemiology (APIC) further
ile because they're not sterile proce-
states that, "[a]lthough many
dures.
EPA-registered germicides
5. Switch from brand to generic drugs.
kill vegetative C. difficile,
We saved a lot when we switched to
only chlorine-based disinfec-
generic pharmaceuticals, including
tants and high-concentration,
going from Marcaine to generic bupiva-
vaporized hydrogen peroxide
caine and from Ocuflox to generic
kill spores." With vaporized
ofloxacin. We also switched to vials of
hydrogen peroxide still
medications that need to be reconstitut-
emerging as an option for
ed instead of pre-mixed.
outpatient facilities, this
Rachel Shulkin, RN, BS
leaves the Centers for
Golf Surgical Center, Des Plaines, Ill.
Disease Control-recommend-
rachelshulkin@golfsurgicalcenter.com
ed regime: "The recommended approach to environmental
infection control with respect
J A N U A R Y 2013 | O U T PAT I E N T S U R G E R Y M A G A Z I N E O N L I N E
1 4 1
