Infection is a leading cause of morbidity and is second only to cardiovascular disease as the leading cause of death in the chronic uremic patient on hemodialysis. Infections are a major reason for hospitalizations in this population, estimated to be responsible for as many as 20% of all inpatient admissions. During dialysis, infections like Hepatitis B and C and bloodstream infections are spread from patient to patient most commonly by the hands of healthcare workers. To prevent the spread of infections, clinicians who work in dialysis should understand and follow the basics of infection control as a routine part of their practice. Basic steps clinicians can take to prevent infections in hemodialysis patients include:
- Promote fistula use
- Get catheters out
- Improve catheter care
- Clean hands before and after every patient contact
- Talk to patients about good vascular access care
Important Infection Information
Sepsis
Ebola
Hepatitis C
Tools and Resources
Observation Tools
- Hand Hygiene
- Catheter Connection and Disconnection
- Catheter Exit Site Care
- AVF/AVG Cannulation and Decannulation
Checklist Tools
- Dialysis Station Routine Disinfection
- Environmental Surface Disinfection in Dialysis Facilities: Notes for Clinical Managers
- Catheter Connection
- Catheter Disconnection
- Catheter Exit Site Care
- AVF/AVG Cannulation
- AVF/AVG Decannulation
Professional Education
- Scrub-the-Hub Protocol
- Hand Hygiene Protocol
- Continuing Education Course
- Provider Training Video – “Preventing Bloodstream Infections in Outpatient Hemodialysis Patients: Best Practices for Dialysis Staff”
- Hand Sanitizer Audit Tool
- Clean Hands Count Provider Brochure
- Days Since Last Infection Poster
- Protect Your Patients from Sepsis Fact Sheet
- WAVE Flyer for Facilities
Patient Education
- Patient Pocket Guide
- Video: How to Handrub with Alcohol-Based Formulation
- Video: How to Handwash with Soap and Water
- Clean Hands Count Patient Fact Sheet
- Lifeline for a Lifetime: Planning for Your Vascular Access
- Conversation Starter to Prevent Infections in Dialysis Patients
- Four Ways to Get Ahead of Sepsis
- Know the Facts About Infection Brochure
- Handwashing Pledge
- WAVE brochure for Patients and Family