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A Triangle of Concern: Air Currents, Barrier Fabrics, and Bacterial Penetration
Keyword(s)
eBook, O&M, 1173-2024, surgery, operating room, OR, perioperative, inpatient, ambulatory surgery center, ASC, outpatient, nurse, surgical technologist, central service professional, sterile processing department, SPD, air currents, barrier, fabrics, bacterial penetration, infectious agents, surgical site infection, SSI, blood, infectious material, microorganism, surgical gowns, face masks, sterilization wraps, woven, nonwoven material, bacterial filtration efficiency, BFE
Credits
CA:2.0, CBSPD:2.0, HSPA:2.0, NCCT:2.0
Description
Preventing disease transmission is a major concern for all members of the perioperative team. During an operative or invasive procedure, both the patient and healthcare workers are at risk for transmission of infectious agents, not only through blood and body fluids but also through bacterial penetration of barrier fabrics facilitated by forced air currents. This continuing education activity will discuss the triangle of concern presented by bacterial penetration of barrier fabrics (ie, surgical gowns, face masks, and sterilization wraps) through forced air currents and its implications for the perioperative nurse. The potential sources and activities that contribute to this triangle of concern will be reviewed. Ways to differentiate the ability of barrier fabrics to prevent bacterial penetration, including a review of the various types of fabrics and the bacterial filtration efficiency (BFE) test method, will be discussed. Finally, best practices to reduce or prevent this bacterial penetration through barrier fabrics will be outlined.