How much caution?

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Hi All,

I am a research assistant in a lab that does some tissue typing. So there is much blood and serum around at all times.

I have never worked with potentially infectious material before, all my lab work has previously been done with caustic chemicals.

I am wondering if I am being extremely overly worried. When I leave the lab at night - I change my shoes and leave them there (this is good), watch my hands often and use alchohol based antiseptic (still good).

However once I get home I enter a side door and place all my clothes in a designated hamper (whether they are visibly dirty or not) first thing and do not touch anything without a shower. I am scared of passing on HIV/HepC contamination (which I do not actually know the status of specimens). If anything touches my pant leg - it is potentailly infectious as I am concerned. Even after using lab coats.

I feel like I am overdoing the precautions, but of course when you talk to people they tell you worst case scenerios.

I figured I would ask nurses since they know best! Should I be worried of tertiary and secondary contamination even with thorough cleaning practices? Do you change immediately when you get home? Should I still be cautious but realize that unless there is blood on me, I really can't be infected. I am living like a germaphobe - there must be a middle ground or caution and craziness that I missed.

Thanks!

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As long as you follow standard procedures -- handwashing and protective gear -- you'll be fine. Nothing wrong with changing clothes before you actually enter your house, lots of nurses do this, but know that things like Hep and HIV are not transferred on clothing.

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Specializes in Jack of all trades, and still learning.

Also remember your facility should be educating you on adequate precautions. If they didn't have standard procedures they would be liable for any problems.

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Specializes in IM/Critical Care/Cardiology.

In school one of the instructors shared with us the same thing you are doing. I don't think it's crazy, I think it's safe. Your family is precious. Kudos for good practice!

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Specializes in school nursing, Dr. office.

I have done the same thing in the past, especially when my daughter was younger. I have made my husband do it as well, he works at a funeral home. I do practice this during flu season and when anything particular seems to be floating around my school. I just don't want to carry anything home to expose my daughter.

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