Final answer:
In treating patients with communicable diseases, protective clothing, hand hygiene, and strict disinfection protocols for equipment and waste are essential. Sterilization of all lab equipment and responsible disposal of hazardous materials are also critical to prevent infection spread.
Step-by-step explanation:
When treating a patient with a possible communicable disease, it's crucial to follow strict protocols for handling equipment. This includes wearing protective clothing such as a coat, face protection, and cut-resistant gloves. After any contact with skin, immediate washing with detergent and water is necessary, followed by disinfection with a strong solution like 1 N NaOH or a bleach dilution.
Contaminated waste should be incinerated or treated with autoclaving in a strong basic solution. It is also vital to clean and soak instruments in a strong basic solution to ensure they are free of contaminants. In addition to protective gear, stringent hand hygiene practices are essential to prevent equipment contamination.
To complement these measures, avoid sharing personal items and maintain good personal hygiene, such as hand washing, to prevent the spread of infectious diseases. All equipment used in laboratories, such as bacterial cultures, must be sterilized, which includes media, inoculating instruments, loops, needles, and pipettes. Lastly, all personnel must follow appropriate disposal instructions for hazardous materials to prevent further risk of infection.