The specimen container should also be placed in a plastic bag so that it can be safely handed to the laboratory technician without the necessity of putting on gloves. Many small home care agencies purchase policy and procedure manuals. Staff members must be familiar with those manuals that are adopted by the agency. The agency's infection control program and the availability and expected use of protective equipment should also be discussed at this time. According to OSHA, all staff members must be reeducated on an annual basis on the blood-borne pathogens standards and the prevention of the transmission of TB, and documentation of this discussion must take place.
Education regarding the prevention of injuries with syringes is crucial.
Nurses must possess good teaching skills and be able to assess the learning abilities of the patient and caregivers. Home health care still lacks industry-wide accepted definitions for infections. These definitions were accepted by the four agencies that took part in the study. At this time, home care also has no accepted methodologies for developing infection rates. The infection rate is calculated either monthly or quarterly, depending on the size of the population.