Medical hygiene pertains to the hygiene practices related to the administration of medicine, and medical care, that prevents or minimizes disease and the spreading of disease.
Medical hygiene practices include:
* Isolation or quarantine of infectious persons or materials to prevent spread of infection.
* Sterilization of instruments used in surgical procedures.
* Use of protective clothing and barriers, such as masks, gowns, caps, eyewear and gloves.
* Proper bandaging and dressing of injuries.
* Safe disposal of medical waste.
* Disinfection of reusables (i.e. linen, pads, uniforms)
* Scrubbing up, hand-washing, especially in an operating room, but in more general health-care settings as well, where diseases can be transmitted[1]
Most of these practices were developed in the 19th century and were well established by the mid-20th century. Some procedures (such as disposal of medical waste) were tightened up as a result of late-20th century disease outbreaks, notably AIDS and Ebola.
Thursday, April 15, 2010
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