Download Procedures - Preventing Infection - English

Procedures –
Preventing Infection
Infection is a risk when you are having a 
Your procedure site will be cleaned with procedure that involves puncturing the skin an antimicrobial scrub or soap. This with a needle. Preventing an infection helps remove the bacteria from your skin involves both you and your healthcare team. and decrease the growth of bacteria during and after the procedure.
Before The Procedure

gowns and masks during the procedure to At Home 
water for at least 15 seconds each time.

decrease the chance of infection.
Wash your hands often to help prevent the spread of germs. Use soap and warm If you smoke, stop. This will help your lungs work better during the procedure After Your Procedure
At the Hospital/Outpatient Center 
and help prevent infection. 
hand rub before and after they care for 
healing process.

changed as needed. Staff will wear gloves Call your doctor if you have a fever, cold when changing your dressing and check for any signs of infection.
your procedure.
Take a shower the night before and/or 
remove hair in the area of your At the Hospital/Outpatient Center

before you touch your dressing or Do not shave or use other methods to procedure.
procedure site and afterward.


Ask all visitors to wash their hands when coming into and leaving your room. 
Don’t be afraid to remind the staff about hand washing.
for all types of procedures.

If family members or visitors have a fever or cold symptoms, ask them to stay home.
Antibiotics may be given 30 to 60 minutes before a procedure. They are not needed You will be given instructions on how to care for your dressing. Wash your hands the morning of the procedure. 
Your procedure site may be covered with a dressing (bandage). Dressings will be or flu symptoms during the week before 
Staff will wash their hands or use alcohol you. If you have diabetes, try to control your blood sugars. High blood sugars slow the The doctor and staff may wear gloves, If hair needs to be removed around the procedure site, clippers will be used instead of a razor to decrease the chance of nicks and infection.
At Home

Follow the discharge instructions that you are given when going home.
At Home (continued)

Practice good hand washing and ask others to do so. 
Keep your body, clothing and home clean.

Check your procedure site each day for signs of infection:
 We are doing all we can for your safety and care.  If you have any questions or concerns, talk with your nurse or doctor.
­ Redness
­ Swelling
­ Odor ­ Increase in the amount of drainage
­ Change in the color of drainage

Take your temperature as instructed or if you feel you have a fever. 
Call your doctor if you have any signs of infection.
Dev. 10/09, Rev. 2/12, 2/15
©Mount Carmel 2015