This module looks at new and emerging infectious agents affecting our hospitals and how to reduce or eliminate associated risks for patients.
Biosafety Classifications of Infectious Agents
Centres for Disease Control and Prevention classifications of micro-organisms,; Class I, II, III and IV. Laboratory management of Class I, II, III and IV infectious agents. Practical requirements
Emerging infectious agents -including pandemics
Epidemiology, risk factors and decontamination: CJD, MRSA, MRTB, Filovirions and other exotic viruses, Hepatitis A, B, C, HIV, Group B Streptococci, Vancomycin resistant enterocicci and Enterohaemmoragic E. coli. Monitoring carrier status among staff.
Management of biological samples
Specimen collection and transport, storage, labelling and tracking. Universal precautions in handling blood and body fluids. Guidelines for the management of accidental spillages of biological materials.
Management of noscomial infection.
Assessing risks of hospital acquired infection amongst staff and patients. Minimising infectious risk. Management of needle stick injury and exposure to blood and body fluids. Procedures used for the containment and management of noscomial outbreaks. The role of the infection control team. Decontamination of facilities and equipment. Guidelines for handwashing and hospital environmental control. Fumigation of laboratories and cold-storage areas, requirements and procedures. Disinfectants, choice of disinfectants for use in the management of outbreaks.
Microbiological Sampling in the Hospital Environment
CDC recommendations for microbiological sampling in hospitals.
Laboratory Security and Emergency Response for Microbiological and Biomedical Laboratories.
Guidelines for maintaining security within laboratories. Developing an emergency plan. Reporting incidents involving lapses in security.
| Module Content & Assessment | |
|---|---|
| Assessment Breakdown | % |
| Other Assessment(s) | 50 |
| Formal Examination | 50 |