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Biomedical subjects

M J Cummings

Publications and source records attributed to M J Cummings.

7 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1990

Implementing and evaluating a system of generic infection precautions: body substance isolation.

Body substance isolation (BSI) is a system of infection precautions intended to reduce nosocomial transmission of infectious agents among patients and to reduce the risk of transmission of hepatitis B virus, human immunodeficiency virus, and other infectious agents to health care personnel. Harborview Medical Center in Seattle, Wash., was the first facility in the United States to implement the BSI system. Between 1984 and 1988 a systematic evaluation of the implementation process was conducted and the effects of BSI on appropriate glove use by hospital personnel and on the incidence of nosocomial colonization and infection by sentinel organisms was measured. Results of the evaluation showed (1) significant increments in knowledge of infection control procedures and practices as measured by comparing written examination responses before and after training sessions, (2) significant increases in appropriate glove use as determined by direct observation of hospital employees for 18 months, and (3) significant reductions in nosocomial colonization and infection caused by sentinel microorganisms during the period from 1984 to 1988.

Body Fluids↗
PubMed1989

AIDS and health care workers. Safety measures that prevent transmission.

Despite the fears of health care professionals that they might contract AIDS from their patients, they actually run a low risk. By identifying existing situations that routinely expose them to body substances and by taking reasonable preventive measures when caring for all patients, these workers can institute habits that will afford them excellent protection against not only AIDS but all infectious diseases. Needlesticks and other puncture or cutting accidents are the prime cause for seroconversion among such personnel. The authors set forth elemental rules for body substance isolation and laboratory procedures that should be followed by all health care professionals.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗
PubMed1987

Prevalence of antibody to human immunodeficiency virus and hepatitis B surface antigen in blood samples submitted to a hospital laboratory. Implications for handling specimens.

The prevalence of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and antibody to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) was determined in serum or plasma specimens of 506 patients submitted to the clinical chemistry laboratory of an urban teaching hospital, and the results were correlated with "biohazard" warning labels on the specimens. Hepatitis B surface antigen, HIV antibody, or either of these were present in 32 (6.3%), 15 (3.0%), and 44 specimens (8.7%), respectively. Ten (67%) of 15 specimens with HIV antibody and nine (28%) of 32 with HBsAg bore biohazard labels. Among 473 unlabeled specimens, HIV antibody was present in five (1.1%), HBsAg was present in 23 (4.9%), and 27 (5.7%) contained either or both of these markers. All clinical and laboratory personnel should be vaccinated against hepatitis B and should handle all blood specimens as if they were infected, regardless of biohazard labeling. By fostering complacency in handling unlabeled specimens, the use of biohazard labels may paradoxically increase the risk that health care workers will be exposed to HIV and hepatitis B virus.

Chemistry, Clinical↗
PubMed1987

Rethinking the role of isolation practices in the prevention of nosocomial infections.

To prevent nosocomial infections, hospitals use two types of procedures: routine patient care practices (handwashing, for example), which are used in appropriate circumstances on all patients, and more intensive isolation precautions, which are implemented only when patients are suspected of having particular infections. Aspects of these current practices, however, may limit their effectiveness. We propose the use of body substance isolation, a simpler alternative system that is used for all patients, not just in response to a specific diagnosis, and that emphasizes the increased use of barrier precautions, especially gloving, when contact with potentially infectious bodily secretions is anticipated. Because of its rationale and simplicity, body substance isolation has been enthusiastically accepted at our hospitals, and we encourage others to consider and evaluate this approach.

Bedding and Linens↗