Final answer:
To prevent contamination, protocols for barrier use in clinical settings include maintaining a sterile field, rigorous hand hygiene, using sterilized materials, donning protective equipment, and treating any skin contact or contaminated waste with stringent measures.
Step-by-step explanation:
The correct protocol for using barriers on surfaces and equipment to prevent contamination would include practices that maintain sterility and prevent the introduction of pathogens into sterile areas or onto sterile equipment. In the clinical setting, this involves creating a sterile field, the application of strict hand hygiene practices, the use of pre-sterilized materials, and the careful disinfection of all items. It is necessary to use sterilized materials like packaging and drapings, and to follow strict procedures such as washing with soaps, detergents, or chemical sterilants and using heat or pressure as required.
Personnel should be equipped with personal protective equipment, including protective coats, face protection, and cut-resistant gloves. In the event of skin contact, immediate washing with detergent and warm water is vital, followed by a cleansing with a strong sanitizing agent like NaOH or diluted bleach. Equipment and waste must also be dealt with appropriately, via methods like incineration or autoclaving in strong basic solutions, to ensure no contaminants remain.
The correct protocol for the use of barriers on surfaces and equipment to prevent contamination of contact areas would include proper hand hygiene practices and careful disinfection of all items coming into contact with a person or a patient. For example, hospital staff interacting with a patient may use gloves, masks, and gowns as barriers to prevent contamination. They should also dispose of the barriers properly after use and wash their hands thoroughly.