Occurs when airborne particles remain suspended in the air, travel on air currents and are then inhaled by others who are nearby or who may be some distance away from the source patient, in a different room or ward (depending on air currents) or in the same room that a patient has left, if there have been insufficient air exchanges. Microorganisms [..]

is a spore forming bacteria that is a leading cause of healthcare associated diarrhea. Although C. diff has been known to cause healthcare associated diarrhea for nearly 30 years, the emergence of more virulent strains which cause seemingly greater morbidity and mortality have increased the notoriety of C.diff in recent years. It is widely distribu [..]

Are used in addition to Routine Practices where transmission of microorganisms by the contact route is likely. Contact with contaminated environmental surfaces or contaminated intact skin is a particular consideration.

The presence of an infectious agent on hands or on a surface such as clothes, gowns, gloves, bedding, toys, surgical instruments, patient care equipment, dressings or other inanimate objects.

A product that is used on surfaces or medical equipment/devices which results in disinfection of the equipment/device. Disinfectants are applied only to inanimate objects. Some products combine a cleaner with a disinfectant.

The inactivation of disease-producing microorganisms. Disinfection does not destroy bacterial spores. Medical equipment/devices must be cleaned thoroughly before effective disinfection can take place. See also, Disinfectant

Are used in addition to Routine Practices for clients/patients/residents known or suspected of having an infection that can be transmitted by large respiratory droplets. Diseases such as with respiratory tract viruses (e.g. adenovirus, influenza and parainfluenza viruses, rhinovirus), rubella (German Measles), mumps and Whooping cough (Bordetella p [..]

Objects in the inanimate environment that may become contaminated with microorganisms and serve as vehicles of transmission.

A low-level disinfectant that has a drug identification number (DIN) from Health Canada indicating its approval for use in Canadian hospitals.