CLINICAL LAB SCIENEC

CHAPTER 6: INTRODUCTION TO INFECTION CONTROL 113
of these three diseases will provide protection against most other potentially
serious infections.
History of Infection Control
Several centuries ago, scientists learned that many diseases were caused
by very small living organisms called germs. In the 19th century, a French
chemist and bacteriologist named Louis Pasteur contributed to the founding
of the modern science of microbiology. His greatest endeavors were
related to the fields of bacteriology and immunology , a study of the body’s
reaction to disease. One of his most important discoveries was that disease
organisms could be killed by “pasteurization,” a process that applies
high temperatures of approximately 140ºF (60ºC) for 30 minutes. Milk
is rid of harmful bacteria by this process without damaging the nutrients
found in it. Everyone, regardless of where he or she works, may be Source: Delmar/Cengage
FIGURE 6-1 Sir Joseph Lister.
daily exposed to numerous organisms and toxic chemicals and, without Learning.
good health, the body is often unable to combat the onslaught from these
environmental dangers. Changing procedures to avoid or minimize contact
with pathogens and toxins is the most effective way to prevent exposure
incidents.
Another contributor to the field of bacteriology is Joseph Lister , a British
surgeon (Figure 6-1). Lister determined that germs (bacteria only) could be killed
with carbolic acid (also known as phenol) . At the time, many deaths in hospitals
were related to the unclean conditions of the health care facilities. Lister
demanded that surgical wounds be kept clean and that the air in operating rooms
be kept clean and circulating. The number of deaths related to complications
from surgical procedures diminished dramatically when his changes were instituted.
These practices eventually found their way to the battlefield, and wounded
soldiers needing amputations greatly benefited from this advance.
During the U.S. Civil War, many deaths were caused by infection rather
than the severity of the wound. Practices developed during the war were later
adapted for civilian use in medicine. This included practices such as transportation
of the wounded by ambulance for treatment behind the lines and setting
up of treatment facilities, which may be in a house or other building or a tent.
The model for this treatment persisted into World War I and, from this modest
beginning, evolved into rapid treatment in sanitary facilities for the wounded
soldier.
Modern-Day Infection Control
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and
Its Effect on Infection Prevention
Most people have a healthy fear of contracting HIV, and the implications of
becoming infected require that specific training for prevention of infection be
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