What precautions should therapists take to minimize the risk of illness when performing Electro-Lymphatic Drainage Therapy (ELT)?

Precautions for Therapists Performing Electro-Lymphatic Drainage Therapy (ELT)

Therapists performing Electro-Lymphatic Drainage Therapy should implement strict infection control protocols including proper hand hygiene, use of personal protective equipment, and maintaining environmental cleanliness to minimize risk of illness transmission.

Standard Infection Control Precautions

Hand Hygiene

• Perform hand hygiene before and after each patient encounter 1
• Use either an alcohol-based hand rub or wash with antimicrobial soap and water for at least 15 seconds 1
• Wash hands with soap and water when visibly soiled or contaminated with body fluids 1
• Apply hand lotions to prevent skin dryness, but avoid petroleum-based products as they can compromise glove integrity 1

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

1. Gloves

   • Wear medical gloves when potential exists for contact with blood, body fluids, or mucous membranes 1
   • Change gloves between patients and when torn or punctured 1
   • Remove gloves promptly after use and perform hand hygiene immediately 1
   • Use appropriate size and type of gloves for the procedure 1

2. Protective Clothing

   • Wear protective clothing (gown, lab coat, or uniform) that covers personal clothing and skin likely to be exposed to bodily fluids 1
   • Change protective clothing if visibly soiled or penetrated by fluids 1
   • Remove all barrier protection before leaving the treatment area 1

3. Face Protection

   • Wear surgical mask and eye protection with solid side shields or face shield when procedures may generate splashing of body fluids 1
   • Change masks between patients or during treatment if mask becomes wet 1
   • Clean and disinfect reusable facial protective equipment between patients 1

Environmental Controls

Treatment Room Preparation

• Ensure each treatment room has a sink with proper hand hygiene supplies 1
• Cover treatment tables with disposable paper or linen, changed between patients 1
• Perform more thorough cleaning if contamination is visible using detergent followed by disinfection 1
• Use EPA-approved disinfectants for surface cleaning between patients 1

Equipment Maintenance

• Clean equipment that makes physical contact with patients after each use 1
• Disinfect reusable equipment with appropriate EPA-registered disinfectants 1
• For spills with blood or body fluids, remove visible organic matter first, then disinfect with 1:100 dilution of household bleach 1

Special Considerations for Lymphatic Therapy

Infection Prevention

• Implement institutional protocols for ensuring safe, sterile access of devices 1
• Minimize manipulation of devices and equipment 1
• Follow standardized techniques for cleaning and disinfection 1
• Consider using chlorhexidine-impregnated dressings at treatment sites if appropriate 1

Personal Health Precautions

• Keep fingernails short with smooth, filed edges to prevent glove tears 1
• Avoid artificial fingernails or extenders 1
• Do not wear hand or nail jewelry that compromises glove integrity 1
• Refrain from direct patient care if you have exudative lesions or weeping dermatitis 1

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

• Never "top off" partially empty soap or lotion dispensers as this can lead to contamination 1
• Avoid faucet aerators as they can become contaminated with waterborne organisms 1
• Do not reuse disposable items or attempt to wash and reuse gloves 1
• Avoid wearing artificial nails or jewelry that may compromise barrier protection 1
• Never perform procedures without appropriate PPE, even for seemingly low-risk patients 1

By implementing these comprehensive infection control measures, therapists can significantly reduce their risk of illness when performing Electro-Lymphatic Drainage Therapy while maintaining a safe environment for their patients.