MRSA Precautions for Healthcare Workers

MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) is a potentially life-threatening infection caused by Staphylococcus aureus bacteria that is resistant to the antibiotics normally used to treat it, according to the Mayo Clinic. MRSA is most commonly spread inside health-care facilities such as nursing homes and hospitals and is most likely to affect the elderly or people with weak immune systems. To protect themselves and minimize the spread of MRSA within a health-care setting, health-care workers should take basic precautions.

Hand Hygiene

• Proper hand hygiene is necessary before and after health-care workers come in contact with bodily fluids, blood, secretions or contaminated items, according to the Centers For Disease Control and Prevention.

  When examination gloves are removed or just before they are put on, wash the hands with soap and water, scrubbing the entire hand, between fingers and fingernails thoroughly. It may also be necessary to wash between tasks being performed on the same patient to prevent cross-contamination to other parts of the body.

Gloves

• Wear clean examination gloves when you anticipate coming in contact with blood and other infectious materials, according to the CDC. Put on the gloves immediately after thorough hand-washing. Never wear the same pair of gloves for more than one patient, and do not attempt to wash the gloves for reuse. Reuse even after washing will cause the transmission of pathogens.

  Dispose of all gloves used on MRSA patients immediately in the proper receptacles, usually marked for biohazards.

Mouth, Nose and Eye

• Be aware of any procedure that may cause splashes or sprays of bodily fluids or secretions. If you suspect this type of treatment, protect your eyes, nose and mouth from possible MRSA contamination.

  Use personal protective equipment (PPE) such as surgical masks, goggles or face shields, depending on the type of needs you have. These mucous membranes are especially susceptible to the spread of pathogens and should be carefully protected in a MRSA-infected environment.

Gowns

• Wear a gown to protect skin and clothing when coming in contact with MRSA patients for care or procedures. Dispose of the gown properly for washing or in biohazard receptacles if it is a disposable type. The handling of all contaminated laundry and its transport to wash facilities should be done while avoiding contamination of air, surfaces and other people, according to the CDC.

Handling Equipment

• Make every effort to stop the spread of MRSA by properly handling patient-care equipment. Reusable equipment should not be used on another patient until it has been cleaned appropriately, sanitized and reprocessed. All single-use items should be properly discarded, and all surfaces that may have been exposed to pathogens should be disinfected. Frequently touched surfaces such as doorknobs, bed rails and toilets should be cleaned and disinfected on a more regular schedule than other surfaces.