How much caution?

[OCD-girl]

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!

[TazziRN, RN]

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.

[nyapa, RN]

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.

[sharona97, BSN, RN]

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!

[mamunsey]

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.