HHC Health & Home Care Clinical Policy And

HHC HEALTH & HOME CARE Section: 13-2
Infection Control: Preparation of Work Area And Bag Technique __RN
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
judgement 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 and contents must be thoroughly cleaned when
soilage occurs and periodically as needed or
according to agency policy.
4. Disposable equipment is used whenever possible.
5. Family's equipment is used whenever possible.
6. The inside and contents of the bag are always
considered clean.
EQUIPMENT:
Bag (nursing, HHA, therapy)
Paper towels
Disinfectant
Soap or antiseptic hand cleanser/towelette
PROCEDURE:
1. Adhere to Universal Precautions.
2. Select a flat surface to place bag and set up work
area. Use discretion and consideration when
placing bag on patient’s furniture. Never place bag
on floor. Keep bag closed when not in use.
3. Place a barrier (paper towels, clean newspapers or
other appropriate material) on flat surface before
setting bag down. (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; therefore
check agency policy.)
4. Perform hand hygiene. (See Hand Hygiene, No.
14.03.)
5. Remove needed items from bag and place on clean
surface or paper towels.
6. Decontaminate hands prior to re-entering bag for
any reason.
7. 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, No.
14.11, if applicable.) Soiled reusable items must be
cleaned and disinfected prior to returning to the bag.
(See Cleaning Equipment and Instruments, No.
14.06 and Disinfection of Instruments & Equipment
Using Disinfecting Agents, No. 14.07.) In the event
soiled items cannot be cleaned in the home, bag
and label item to transport to designated area.
8. Decontaminate hands.
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