REMOTE HEALTH ATLAS Section 27: INFECTION CONTROL

DROPLET PRECAUTIONS

DROPLET PRECAUTIONS
1. General Information

Droplet precautions apply to clients known or suspected to be infected with pathogens that can be transmitted by droplets.

2.

Definitions

Droplet Transmission: involves contact with the nose, mouth, mucous membranes or conjunctivae of a susceptible person.

3.
3.1 3.2 3.3

Responsibilities
All Staff Observe Standard and appropriate Additional precautions Health Centre Manager Ensure Standard Precautions and appropriate Additional Precautions are undertaken Ensure Personal Protection Equipment is available to staff Professional Practice Nurse Review and maintain Infection Control information

4.

Procedure

Unlike air borne particles that remain suspended in the air for extended periods, droplets are larger than 5um in size and fall onto surfaces within a 1-metre radius. Examples of conditions transmitted through droplets include: Bronchiolitis Meningococcal infections Viral infections including influenza, mumps and rubella. 4.1 Requirements for Droplet Precautions Requirements Gloves Impermeable apron / gowns Mask Goggles / face shields Transport of client Equipment Other Droplet Transmission As per Standard Precautions. As per Standard Precautions. Surgical mask is required. Staff must wear a mask when caring for clients with pathogens (ie NORSA or MORSA) with respiratory sections if within 1 meter and the client has a productive cough. Protect face if splash likely. Surgical mask for client. Notify area receiving client. As per Standard Precautions. Wash hands after leaving client.

Developed by: Professional Practice Group Endorsed by: Professional Practice Coordinator Release Date: October 2006

Page 1

Reviewed: June 2008 Next Review: June 2011

REMOTE HEALTH ATLAS Section 27: INFECTION CONTROL

DROPLET PRECAUTIONS

5.
Nil

Forms

6.

References and Supporting Documents

Related Atlas Items: Additional Precautions Airborne Precautions Aseptic Technique Biohazard Exposure Management Contact Precautions Instrument Cleaning & Sterilisation Personal Protection Equipment Sharps Handling Skin Precautions Staff Immunisation Standard Precautions Waste Management Flowchart Standard & Additional Precautions Royal Darwin Hospital Infection Control Manual

Developed by: Professional Practice Group Endorsed by: Professional Practice Coordinator Release Date: October 2006

Page 2

Reviewed: June 2008 Next Review: June 2011