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Category: Infection control

Explore our comprehensive collection of health articles in this category.

Foods That Help Fight Blood Infections

4 min read
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over 1.7 million Americans are diagnosed with sepsis, a dangerous complication of blood infections, each year. A nutritious, supportive diet is crucial for helping the body heal and recover effectively, providing essential nutrients that fuel immune function and combat inflammation, which are key to understanding what foods help fight blood infections.

How Often Should You Change an IV Administration Set When Administering Lipids Separately?

4 min read
According to the Infusion Nurses Society (INS) 2021 standards, administration sets used for dedicated intravenous lipid emulsion (ILE) infusions should be changed every 12 hours. This is a more frequent interval than for other continuous infusions and is crucial for preventing microbial growth and minimizing infection risks associated with parenteral nutrition (PN). This article explores the specific guidelines and best practices for managing IV sets during separate lipid administration.

Does Sugar Feed a Bacterial Infection? Uncovering the Truth

5 min read
Research has demonstrated that high-sugar diets can increase susceptibility to certain bacterial infections in animal models. While the relationship isn't a simple 'bacteria eat sugar' equation in the body, the systemic effects of excess sugar can compromise the host's defense mechanisms and create a more favorable environment for some pathogens.

What is the hang time for enteral feed?

5 min read
According to a study published in the *World Journal of Clinical Cases*, unacceptable bacterial contamination can begin in as little as two hours for some types of enteral formulas. This highlights the critical importance of understanding and following the recommended hang time for enteral feed to ensure patient safety and prevent infection.

Dietary Strategies: What to Eat to Reduce Cellulitis

4 min read
According to the National Health Service, maintaining adequate hydration is crucial for helping your body fight off the bacterial skin infection known as cellulitis. Alongside prescribed medical treatment, specific dietary choices can play a significant role in managing inflammation, boosting immune function, and promoting skin repair to help reduce cellulitis and its symptoms.

What is a low microbial diet?

3 min read
For individuals with weakened immune systems, even the smallest amount of microorganisms in food can pose a significant risk of infection. This is why a low microbial diet, a strict dietary plan focused on food safety, is often recommended to minimize exposure to harmful pathogens.

What is the role of nutrition in infection control?

3 min read
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), malnutrition is a major contributing factor to morbidity and mortality, particularly in children. A balanced and nutrient-rich diet is essential for a robust immune system and plays a critical role in effective infection control by supporting both innate and adaptive immune responses.

How Often Should a TPN Line Be Changed? A Comprehensive Guide

3 min read
Patients receiving Total Parenteral Nutrition (TPN) are at a high risk for bloodstream infections, making strict infection control a top priority. Knowing precisely how often should a TPN line be changed is a crucial step in preventing these dangerous complications. Adhering to evidence-based protocols is essential for patient safety.

Which Type of Eggs Are Safe for Service in a Hospital?

4 min read
According to the CDC, approximately 1 in every 20,000 eggs may be contaminated with Salmonella, posing a significant risk, especially to vulnerable populations. Therefore, understanding which type of eggs are safe for service in a hospital is critical for preventing foodborne illness and ensuring patient health. Institutional food service standards strictly regulate egg products to protect patients with compromised immune systems.

When should TPN tubing be changed?

4 min read
According to the Infusion Nurses Society (INS), administration sets for Total Parenteral Nutrition (TPN) that contain lipids should be changed every 24 hours to reduce infection risk. Adherence to strict protocols is critical for patient safety, as improper timing for when should TPN tubing be changed can lead to serious complications, including bloodstream infections.