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Biomedical subjects

Katherine West

Publications and source records attributed to Katherine West.

7 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2003

Tuberculosis--where do we stand in 2003?

The decrease in TB case numbers over the past few years has been significant, and clearly there is not a current TB epidemic in the U.S. There are still problems with TB in other countries, but the plans for expanding the U.S. approach to these countries should be very beneficial. It is important to remember that TB is a cyclic disease and has been throughout history. Case numbers have gone up for various reasons about every 30 years. Perhaps the CDC goal to eliminate TB in the U.S. by 2010 will be attainable if we follow current guidelines and assist other countries in bringing this disease under control.

Allied Health Personnel↗
PubMed2002

Infection-control basics. A common sense review for EMS personnel.

Infection-control principles and practices based on science and common sense have been around for thousands of years. They've proven effective. If you know how a disease is transmitted, then you'll know what PPE to use to block transmission. Viruses don't multiply or survive for long outside a living host, so they may be present on a given surface, but in low numbers--and most often not numbers large enough to cause infection. However, hepatitis B virus can survive up to seven days in the presence of dried blood; that's why contaminated equipment must be cleaned as soon as possible after use. If it's not possible to use PPE in a given situation or it fails, then post-exposure medical follow-up and treatment can protect you. Ensuring there's an effective communication network in place for reporting an exposure to your DO is essential. Your agency should verify that hospitals are aware of their responsibilities under the Ryan White Law to share patient testing information if an exposure event occurs. The DO's role includes working with hospitals to provide proper medical follow-up, rapid patient testing and counseling for the exposed provider. Your DO is your advocate. Each and every component of your department's exposure control plan assists in reducing the risk for acquiring an infection on the job. Risk reduction and risk management are both vital. Ultimately, the responsibility lies with you--the provider--to know infection-control principles and practice good habits.

Emergency Medical Technicians↗
PubMed2002

AIDS update: occupational exposure & post-exposure treatment of HIV/AIDS.

HCPs in the United States have many benefits that work in their favor to help reduce the risk for disease transmission. The United States has laws and regulations regarding the implementation of needlesafe devices to reduce needlestick injuries. PEP is readily available when needed, and AIDS cases continue to decline nationwide. Personal protective equipment is readily available. Case numbers for occupational transmission of HIV infection to HCPs remain low. The United States also has set a national goal to cut new HIV infections in half by the year 2005. Federal law requires every EMS department to establish a designated infection control officer. Infection control officers must review and evaluate exposure incidents and ensure prompt, proper medical follow-up.

AIDS Serodiagnosis↗