Question

The protocol to follow to minimize contamination of touch and transfer surfaces from splash, spatter, and surface droplets is to____________.

1) Wear gloves and protective clothing
2) Avoid touching your face
3) Clean and disinfect surfaces regularly
4) All of the above

Answer 1

The appropriate protocol to minimize contamination on surfaces includes wearing protective gear, avoiding face touching, and regular disinfection of surfaces, combined with diligent hand hygiene.

Step-by-step explanation:

The protocol to follow to minimize contamination of touch and transfer surfaces from splash, spatter, and surface droplets is to wear gloves and protective clothing, avoid touching your face, and clean and disinfect surfaces regularly. To elaborate:

1. Wearing gloves and protective clothing creates a barrier between your skin and potential contaminants.
2. Avoiding touching your face, especially the mouth, nose, and eyes, prevents the transfer of harmful microbes to entry points where infection can take place.
3. Regularly cleaning and disinfecting surfaces removes and kills pathogens that could cause infection.

Practicing proper hand hygiene is a critical component of this protocol. This includes washing your hands with soap and warm running water, making sure the water flows from the wrist to the fingertips during rinsing, and then drying hands thoroughly with a clean towel or air dryer, using the towel to turn off faucets and to open doors to prevent recontamination.5