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Vol. 1, No. 3 June 1993 |
STOP Isolation
STOP Isolation is the barrier precaution used for highly communicable diseases that are spread by the airborne and/or contact route. Stop isolation is a supplement to Body Substance Precaution (BSP) which is used for all patients. When a patient is diagnosed or suspected of having a disease that may be transmissible by these routes, the patient is placed in STOP isolation:
1) to interrupt transmission of infectious agents from patient to patient, from patient to health care worker, and from health care worker to patient, and
2) to protect the immuno compromised patient population.
The decision to place or discontinue STOP isolation is made by the Infection Control practitioners, the patients's attending physician, or the patient's nurse in consultation with the Infection Control Unit staff.
The most common diseases that require STOP isolation are varicella (chickenpox), pulmonary tuberculosis, disseminated herpes zoster and methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus. A complete list of diseases that require STOP isolation and information on duration of isolation is in the Infection Control Manual, Policy #30:03.
A patient placed in isolation must have a red STOP isolation sign on the door. The revised STOP isolation signs have boxes that must be checked to indicate the appropriate barrier precautions specific to the patient's infection. The form number for this sign is 2036 and can be obtained from Central Stores at the Western Division. (See sample form below) In addition to the STOP sign on the door, there is a flagging system on HDS which should be activated when isolation is required. This is being piloted on 11 ES and 2 BW at the General Division and will be implemented in stages throughout the remainder of the Hospital.
Stop Isolation Requirements
1) Hand washing is required because it is the most effective means of preventing transmission of infectious organisms.
2) A single room must be used. A room with a sink, toilet and bathtub is preferable. A patient with pulmonary tuberculosis should be in a room with air control set on negative pressure. The door must be kept closed.
3) A mask must be worn by all persons entering the room and discarded immediately after use. The patient in isolation must wear a mask when out of his/her room.
4) Gowns (long sleeves with cuff) and/or plastic apron should be worn for procedures or situations when clothing or skin are likely to get soiled with splashes of blood or body substances.
5) Gloves should be worn for anticipated contact with blood or body substances, mucous membranes, non-intact skin, and surfaces or articles contaminated with blood or body substances.
6) Protective eye wear (glasses, goggles or shields) should be worn to protect the eyes and oral mucosa when splashes of blood or other body substances are likely to occur.
References:
1) Health and Welfare Canada: Infection Control Guidelines For Isolation and Precaution Techniques. 1992. Health Services Promotion Branch and Bureau of Communicable Disease Epidemiology Health Protection Branch.
2) Lynch, P.; Jackson, M.; Cummings, J.; and Stamm, W.E Rethinking the Role of Isolation Practices in the Prevention of Nosocomial Infections. Annuals of Internal Medicine. 1987:107;243-246.
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