| a) No. All sites inserting and/or removing IUDs should follow basic
infection prevention measures, including:
- aseptic technique (including appropriate handwashing by
the provider and careful preparation of the cervix),
- sterile (or high-level disinfected) IUDs and equipment,
- correct decontamination of instruments, and
- safe disposal of contaminated disposables.
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a) The potential for infection
in IUD users is increased in areas where genital tract infections (GTI) such as gonorrhea
and chlamydia are prevalent. By following recommended infection prevention processes,
however, health workers can minimize the risk of post-IUD insertion infection to clients
and the danger of transmitting infections, even hepatitis B or AIDS, to their clients,
their co-workers or themselves.
- Tietjen L, Cronin W, McIntosh N. Infection
Prevention for Family Planning Service Programs: A Problem-Solving Reference Manual.
Durant, OK, Essential Medical Information Systems, Inc., 1992, p 168.
Sterilization is the safest and most effective method for
processing instruments which come in contact with the bloodstream, tissue beneath the skin
or tissues which are normally sterile. When sterilization equipment is either not
available or not suitable, high-level disinfection (HLD) is the only acceptable
alternative. HLD destroys all microorganisms, including viruses causing hepatitis B and
AIDS, but does not reliably kill all bacterial endospores. For example, in family planning
facilities, either sterilization or HLD are acceptable for processing instruments and
gloves used for pelvic exams and IUD insertion and removal, since problems with endospores
(Clostridia species) have not been reported with IUD use. Regardless of the method
selected, however, HLD can only be effective when used (soiled) instruments and gloves are
first decontaminated, thoroughly cleaned and rinsed before disinfection.
- Tietjen L, Cronin W, McIntosh N. Infection
Prevention for Family Planning Service Programs: A Problem-Solving Reference Manual.
Durant, OK, Essential Medical Information Systems, Inc., 1992, p 34.
Contaminated wastes may carry high loads of microorganisms
which are potentially infectious to any persons who contact or handle the waste.
Incineration provides high temperatures and destroys microorganisms; therefore, it is the
best method for disposal of contaminated wastes. Incineration also reduces the bulk size
of wastes to be buried. If incineration is not possible, all contaminated wastes must be
buried to prevent scattering the waste materials.
- Tietjen L, Cronin W, McIntosh N. Infection
Prevention for Family Planning Service Programs: A Problem-Solving Reference Manual. Durant,
OK, Essential Medical Information Systems, Inc., 1992, p 97.
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