Infection Control Manual, VRE Infection Control Policy

VRE Infection Control Policy
	Introduction
	Epidemiology
	VRE Prevention & Control
	Reservoirs
	Inpatient Control Measures Identification Contact Precautions Patient Care Equipment Patient Transport Cleaning/Disinfection Antibiotic Usage
	Discharge/Transfer/Home Care
	Outpatient Control Measures
	Discontinuation of Isolation Precautions
	Surveillance/Outbreak Control
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Yale New Haven Hospital
QISS
GB 325
New Haven, CT
06504 USA

Dr. Jeff Topal
688-4634


Inpatient Control Measurers

Dedicated Patient Care Equipment
Multiple epidemiological studies have implicated fomites in VRE transmission. Equipment which is frequently shared (e.g., stethoscopes, blood pressure cuffs, electronic thermometers, and IV poles, etc.) must be dedicated for use for each VRE patient only. Only limited quantities of disposable supplies should be brought into the room.

Any equipment that cannot be dedicated (e.g., pulse oximeter) must be adequately cleaned and disinfected immediately after use with an EPA-approved disinfectant. Gross soiling must be removed by cleaning before applying the disinfectant. Also, the disinfectant must be left on the equipment for the appropriate contact time in order to be effective. A simple spray and wipe does not constitute appropriate disinfection for patient care equipment potentially contaminated with VRE.

Last modified: December 20, 2000.