Infection Control: Preparation of Work Area And Bag Technique
PURPOSE:
To prevent contamination of bag and equipment, avoid
cross infection, and establish a clean work area.
CONSIDERATIONS:
1. Clinical staff is responsible for maintaining the
cleanliness and completeness of the bag.
2. As homes differ greatly, clinical staff will need to use
judgment in selecting an appropriate work area.
Considerations include: cleanliness of home,
adequate lighting, low traffic area, away from direct
currents from windows, heat or air conditioning
vents, safe area for bag away from pets and
children.
3. Bag must be thoroughly cleaned if soiled and
periodically as needed.
VNS procedure:
The outside of bag is cleaned with a cloth
dampened with hot soapy water. The inside is
cleaned with a disinfectant/alcohol wipe.
Reusable equipment is cleaned with soap and water
in the presence of bodily secretions, dried, then
wiped with alcohol and allowed to air dry.
4. Disposable equipment is used whenever possible.
5. Patient's equipment is used whenever possible.
6. The inside and contents of the bag are always
considered clean.
EQUIPMENT
Standard Contents
Tweezers
Ba Bag with 3 zippered
Mask: Surgical
compartments
Mask: CPR
Paper Towels
Mask: N95 Respirator
Liquid Soap
Lancets, Unistik
Antiseptic Hand
Syringe: Safety Lok
Cleanser/Towelette
3cc (22x1 ½”; 25x 55/8”)
Hand Lotion
Syringe: Safety Lok
Sterile Barrier
Insulin 1cc (29x1/2”)
Stethoscope
Sphygmomanometer
Digital Thermometer
Optional Contents
/Sheaths
Gloves: Sterile
Staple Removal Set
Gloves: Non-Sterile
Suture Removal Set
Goggles
Urine Container, Sterile
Alcohol Swabs
Flashlight
Measuring Tapes (Paper)
Tape Measure cloth
Bandage Scissors
Aprons
Cotton Tipped Applicators, Syringe: Safety Lok 10cc
Sterile
(21 x 11/2”)
Sterile 4x4
Syringe: Safety Lok 5 cc
Gown
(21 x 1 ½’)
Tape
Syringe: Safety Lok 1cc
Penlight
(27 x ½”)
SECTION: 14-2
_x _RN _x_ LPN/LVN__HHA
Infection Control: Preparation of Work Area And Bag Technique
PROCEDURE:
1. Adhere to Standard Precautions.
2. Select a flat, hard surface to place bag and set up
work area. Use discretion and consideration when
placing bag on patient’s furniture. Never place a
non-rolling bag on floor. Keep bag closed when not
in use. (Note: According to APIC, there is no
scientific basis for barrier placement, studies have
not shown that a barrier placed under a nursing bag
in the home is effective against preventing the
transmission of infections.)
3. Perform hand hygiene. (See Hand Hygiene)
4. Remove needed items from bag and place on clean
barrier.
5. Decontaminate hands prior to re-entering bag for
any reason.
6. Following care: clean, reusable items (blood
pressure cuff, etc.) are returned to the bag.
Disposable items are discarded. (See
Disposal/Handling of Infectious Medical Waste,, if
applicable.) Soiled reusable items must be cleaned
and disinfected prior to returning to the bag. (See
Cleaning Equipment and Instruments and
Disinfection of Instruments & Equipment Using
Disinfecting Agents) In the event soiled items
cannot be cleaned in the home, bag and label item
to transport to designated area.
8. Decontaminate hands.
Note: see MRSA procedure regarding bag precautions
applicable for home visits to patients with known or
suspected MRSA.
SECTION: 14-2
_x _RN _x_ LPN/LVN__HHA