Category: Infection Control
COVID-19 (X-Ray learning resource)
British Society of Thoracic Imaging (BSTI) have released a free learning resource containing CXR and CT of confirmed Covid-19 cases, will short history including time image was taken from onset of symptoms.
From the China experience CXR/CT doesn’t seem to be a rule out strategy in ED at the moment – However, its a useful resource to help recognition of Covid-19 CXR’s
COVID-19 (Doning/Doffing Video)
2 video links to PHE how to Don and Doff your PPE
Influenza POCT (Adult)
Flu season has arrived, and we need to be thinking about who to test and who to treat. Full guide HERE But don’t forget MERS!!
Q1. Do you suspect Flu?
- Fever
- Coryza
- Arthralgia and/or Myalgia
- Malaise
- GI symptoms – with or without signs of respiratory/other involvement e.g. CN
Yes! – Respiratory precautions
- Isolated in a side room
- Surgical face mask worn on entry to room + gloves and apron
- FFP3 mask or hood worn for aerosol generating procedures
- Bare below the elbow / good quality hand hygiene
- Proceed to Q2
Pneumonia – Paeds
CAP is far less common than URTI’s, however, it needs to be considered within your differentials. Depending on severity there is a guide to investigation and treatment.
Clinical Features Typically
- Cough
- Fever
- Breathing difficulties
- Tachypnoea Read more
Sex, Bites, and Needle Sticks
First Aid (ALL)
- Encourage bleeding
- Wash with copious amounts of water or saline
- Don’t Suck
- Don’t use Caustic agents
Gentamicin – Prescribing on EPR
Do NOT use this regime for:
- Pregnant women
- Children under 16 years
- Urology surgery prophylaxis patients
- ANY patient who has ascites, limb amputation, cystic fibrosis, endocarditis, major burns, Cisplatin Chemotherapy, renal transplant.
Sepsis- A leaflet for Patients
Sepsis – Keeping the patient informed
A patient information leaflet about sepsis is now available by searching for Sepsis here: Patient Information Leaflet
This can be given to patients and their families when we think they are septic to help keep them informed of what is happening and what to expect.
MERS Standard Operating Procedure
Please see the updated SOP for Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus. Make sure you are familiar with this protocol and for anymore information please contact the Infection Control Team.
MERS SOP – Click Here
Be #urosceptical
Ditch the Dipstick – for patients >65Yrs or Catheterised!
Approx. 50% of over 65’s and most of those with catheters have asymptomatic bacteriuria. The patient will not benefit from treatment and often gives us premature closure (i.e. we blame a fictitious UTI for the patients symptoms and stop thinking). Read more
