J. Hudson Garrett

In the United States, Antimicrobial Resistance (AR) is an increasingly hot topic in the field of Infectious Disease and Infection Prevention. This is due to the far reaching consequences of the overuse of antibiotics. Antibiotic overuse also contributes to the growing problems with Clostridium difficile and antibiotic resistance in healthcare facilities.

Long-term care facilities (LTCFs) continue to be riddled with Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAIs), and 2012 will prove to be an increasingly challenging year, specifically as it relates to the prevention of HAIs and the demand for public transparency.

Blood glucose meters or glucometers are a staple piece of medical equipment in long-term care facilities due to the large number of residents that have diabetes or other medical conditions requiring glucose monitoring. Because of the sampling method, there is a risk for cross transmission of blood from one resident to another with particular risk for acquisition of HIV, HBV, or HCV.

Disinfecting is a difficult task, but an integral part of your facility's infection prevention risk plan because, as an Infection Preventionist, you need to pick the right type of product for the right job.