My significant other has used the "glitter on the outside of a urine jar" technique in her safety training - one person picks it up carefully and then shakes hand with the next, who shakes hands with the third etc. I seem to remember they managed at least a 25 person transfer on one occasion.
I believe that the prime risk to staff is puncture but the major risk to patients is via hand transfer and is the problem to be avoided. This organisation, like many others, goes through the MRSA/VRE outbreaks on odd occasions but these handwashing and glove changing techniques do seem to help greatly - as well as thorough ward cleaning with correct agents.
Re phlebotomists: To my knowledge, we have not had any occasions where an appropriate handwash could not be found. The alcohol gels are very useful IMHO.
Prevention is much better than cure based on personal experience. Picked up MRSA while doing some work in Vietnam some years ago. I happened to have a palmar psoriasis at the time too and it took many, many months before I was cleared. Fortunately I did not have patient contact at that time but I would not wish to risk giving that sort of problem to an already unwell patient.
Cheers,
Ken
(Mr) Ken Robertson
Senior Scientist I/C (Research)
Core Clinical Pathology and Biochemistry
PathWest Laboratory Medicine WA
Royal Perth Hospital
Perth, Western Australia
Disclaimer: Views expressed are entirely personal and do not necessarily reflect those of my employer.
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