[Carrie Spinks]

Hi Dianne,

There is quite a bit of research suggesting that artificial nails and nail polish are associated with infection transmission.

The Aged Care IPC Guide pg 53 provides best practice: https://www.safetyandquality.gov.au/sites/default/files/2024-08/The-Aged-Care-Infection-Prevention-and-Control-Guide.pdf
Fingernails: The type and length of fingernails can have an impact on the effectiveness of hand hygiene. Artificial or false nails have been associated with higher levels of microorganisms. Studies have also demonstrated that chipped nail polish may support the growth of organisms on the fingernails. Fingernails should be kept short and clean, and artificial fingernails and nail polish should not be worn.

The Guideline Australian Guidelines for the Prevention and Control of Infection in Healthcare, pg 37 also provides best practice: https://www.safetyandquality.gov.au/sites/default/files/2024-08/australian-guidelines-for-the-prevention-and-control-of-infection-in-healthcare.pdf
The type and length of fingernails can have an impact on the effectiveness of hand hygiene [19] [33]. Artificial or false nails have been associated with higher levels of infectious agents, especially Gram-negative bacilli and yeasts, than natural nails [41] [23] [26] [37] [40] [19] [25] [18]. Fingernails should therefore be kept short (e.g. the length of the finger pad) and clean, and artificial fingernails should not be worn. Studies have also demonstrated that chipped nail polish may support the growth of organisms on the fingernails [57]. It is good practice to not wear nail polish, particularly as chipped nail polish may support the growth of organisms on the fingernail.

The management in a facility/organisation could be achieved via the requirements (as above) being placed in an organisation policy – such as uniform and in HH policies; its also good to have in orientation booklets and role descriptions. The organisation policies are /based/backed by the national guidelines as above. Clear messages to staff surrounding expectations and risks. Discussions can then be had with non compliant staff during performance reviews, if this is a process in the organisation.

Hope this helps.

Carrie

• This reply was modified 2 days, 10 hours ago by Carrie Spinks.
• This reply was modified 2 days, 10 hours ago by Carrie Spinks.

[Carrie Spinks]

Hi Jeanette,

We are looking at the Strengthened Aged Care Standards and Aged Care Act to guide us in this space. Noting that not only staff requiring screening on entry, but also visitors.

See Draft Standard 4 The Environment – 4.2, pg 26: https://www.agedcarequality.gov.au/sites/default/files/media/guidance-material-for-the-strengthened-aged-care-quality-standards-standard-4.pdf

The Actions and associated activities provide a guide to the expectations of screening and vaccination/immunisation for staff, older persons and visitors.

Each organisation/home is required to develop their own process for screening and collection of data/information – this is due to the diversity of homes.

During COVID-19 temperature checks were undertaken, now post pandemic there are higher levels of community immunity – we see cases without temperature and some times without symptoms. This is the same for other RTI, especially in older persons where temperatures do not present, but they are positive to the pathogen. As a result of this, temperature taking alone is not a reliable source to determine whether someone is well or unwell – we look to collaborative symptom screening. McGeers/Stone Infection Criteria is a good tool to use for this.

Hope this helps

Carrie

• This reply was modified 1 week ago by Carrie Spinks.
• This reply was modified 1 week ago by Carrie Spinks.

[Carrie Spinks]

Thank you Penny,

A great topic and great suggestion.

To note: Perri is presenting this month in the COP webinar series on just this topic:

Wednesday 18 June 2025, 2.00PM AEST Speaker: Perri Waddell, Gerontology Nurse, Aged Care Manager and ACIPC Facilitator

IPC Train the Trainer – education skills
The Aged Care IPC Lead (or person responsible for IPC) has a range of responsibilities as determined by the ACQCS. Providing ongoing assessment of staff capability and education is a core function of the role. There is a gap between knowledge gained from completing an IPC course and teaching ability. This presentation explores ways to train the trainer by giving IPC Leads (or person responsible for IPC) some training tools to sustainably embed and advance IPC in aged care.

Register: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_ApvwYg9kRICGFoFL8Yb6Jg#/registration

[Carrie Spinks]

Hi Anitha,

Thanks for your question:

The Guidelines for the public health management of gastroenteritis outbreaks due to norovirus or suspected viral agents in Australia (2010) – pg 49 + Aged care Noro management.
https://www.health.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/2020/03/norovirus-and-suspected-viral-gastroenteritis-cdna-national-guidelines-for-public-health-units-guidelines.pdf

Isolation period in the older person is 72hrs after symptoms have ceased for residents and 48hrs for staff

Appendix 5.5 – Aged Care checklist- see the first page and isolation period
https://www.health.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/2020/03/norovirus-and-suspected-viral-gastroenteritis-cdna-national-guidelines-for-public-health-units-appendix-5-5-self-audit-site-visit-check-list-for-aged-care-facilities.pdf

Hope that helps

Kind regards Carrie

• This reply was modified 2 weeks, 3 days ago by Carrie Spinks.
• This reply was modified 2 weeks, 3 days ago by Carrie Spinks.
• This reply was modified 2 weeks, 3 days ago by Carrie Spinks.

[Carrie Spinks]

On behalf of Mark Rigby

Hi Loida

While purple gloves are routinely used in oncology units, I think in an aged care context it would be more critical to simply ensure the gloves used are acceptable for handling cytotoxics and that there are appropriate “purple bins/bags” for these gloves to be disposed of into. There does not appear to be any guidelines specifying the required color of the gloves.

EviQ is a fantastic resource for all things oncology. There is a section on PPE and some links to state based guidelines. https://www.eviq.org.au/clinical-resources/administration-of-anti-cancer-drugs/188-safe-handling-and-waste-management-of-hazardou#personal-protective-equipment-ppe

Also, a google search for cytotoxic gloves will help identify suppliers who specify gloves that are suitable for use when handling cytotoxics.

Hope this helps

Mark Rigby

Infection Prevention Consultant

Credentialled Infection Control Professional – Advanced (CICP-A)

B.Pharm

Victorian Infection Prevention Services (VICIPS)

Mobile: 0417544117

Email: mark@vicips.com.au

Website: vicips.com.au

At VICIPS we work flexibly. I’m sending this message now at a time that suits me. I don’t expect you to read, action or respond out of your regular working hours.

• This reply was modified 2 weeks, 3 days ago by Carrie Spinks.
• This reply was modified 2 weeks, 3 days ago by Carrie Spinks.

[Carrie Spinks]

Hi Loida (Eunice),

Great question.

In aged care cytotoxic exposure can occur during drug administration and in the management of body fluids and contaminated items from body fluids. Hence protection for care staff, resident carers (as appropriate) , cleaners (bathroom cleaning), laundry staff (washing body fluid contaminated clothing items) all needs to be considered – PPE will vary depending on the task and exposure risk.

In regards to guidelines, these are state/territory based and local policies are reflected from these. So it depends where you are located as to where I could guide you.

Purple identifies cytotoxic risk and clearly disingishes between what is being handled. However, if the blue gloves provide cyctoxic protection and staff etc are safe, then there should be little concern of colour (the colour of these gloves is close to purple – the use of white or black nitrile gloves in this setting can be avoided).

The focus should be on the used PPE items going into a purple, symboled cytoxic waste bag so that it can be transported (inhouse and externally) and distroyed safely and correctly. Incinaration temps are higher for cytotoxic waste to ensure destruction.

Hope this is helpful

Regards Carrie

[Carrie Spinks]

Hi Mel

The ACIPC website under the aged care space has a lot of resources to develop education, it also has tools and templates for use. The aged care in focus has presentations that can be used for staff education as well. https://www.acipc.org.au/aged-care/

The Department also have training resources (scroll to the bottom) https://www.health.gov.au/topics/aged-care/managing-respiratory-infection/infection-prevention-and-control-in-aged-care#training-resources

Theb Australian Commission also have Infection prevention and control for aged care eLearning modules https://www.safetyandquality.gov.au/our-work/infection-prevention-and-control/hand-hygiene-and-infection-prevention-and-control-elearning-modules/infection-prevention-and-control-aged-care-elearning-modules

Hoping these may help to start you off.

Regards Carrie

[Carrie Spinks]

Hi Peggy,

Victorian guideline on CPO for long-term residential care facilities may be agreat place to start too.

Link:https://www.health.vic.gov.au/infectious-diseases/victorian-guideline-on-cpe-for-long-term-residential-care-facilities-version-11

Regards Carrie

[Carrie Spinks]

Hi Rosemarie,

The reprocessing of reusable medical equipment toolbox also guides to the manufacturers in structions

Reusable equipment cleaning and reprocessing toolbox
https://www.acipc.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Reusable-Equipment-cleaning-toolbox-2024.pdf

Cheers Carrie

[Carrie Spinks]

Hi Michelle,

If your able to be flexible and also looking for paper base audits, the ACIPC aged care space has some great audit examples for both quick and full cleaning reviews – or if you’re looking to adapt a current platform to include further questions these may also assist with that.

See the Tools/Templates section, then Aged Care Surveillance/Audit section: https://www.acipc.org.au/aged-care/aged-care-ipc-templates-and-tools/

Kind regards Carrie

[Carrie Spinks]

Hi Michelle,

2024 Laundry Standards = AS 4146:2024 Laundry practice

5.1 Preparation of soiled textiles for collection
Textiles to be collected shall conform to the following:
Textiles which are heavily soiled with blood or other body fluids, or other fluids which could leak and further contaminate other textiles, shall be placed within appropriate impermeable bags (e.g. soluble sealed bags) which shall be securely closed and then placed in an appropriate laundry bag based on a risk assessment according to state or territory requirements. Particular attention shall be given to soiled coloured textiles which cause dye transfer.

[Carrie Spinks]

Hi Everyone,

To let you know the Laundry Practice Standards were superseded in Dec 2024 = Laundry practice AS 4146:2024.

Purchasing and preview: https://www.standards.org.au/standards-catalogue/standard-details?designation=AS-4146-2024

Note: only an AUS Standard

Resource of assistance – An overview by AUSMED: https://www.ausmed.com.au/learn/articles/laundry-infection-control-in-aged-care

Kind regards Carrie

[Carrie Spinks]

Hi Michelle,

The residential aged care setting may approach things differently to the acute sector where risk reduction mechanisms are not in place/available.

For example: The ventilation is often minimal and laundry size usually small- to house both unclean and clean areas. Aged Care laundry staff are not routinely in the same level of PPE as a large industrial laundry. Staff training in soiled laundry management can vary. Transmission risks due to decanting from plastic bags may present – these plastic bags may also be required to be placed in clinical waste – depending on the scenario/pathogen (adding cost). Full fluid resistant linen bags are not generally purchased in aged care, and consistent colour coding practices are recommended.

Where risks can potentially be reduced by the use of soluble bags – aged care organisations do use them.

There are many brands of soluble bags and determining the right one for the service and machine wash (thermal or Ozone disinfection) is beneficial.
Bagging both soluble and linen bag at the point of care can reduce risks. Careful handling and transport of soiled bagged linen is well documented to reduce organism movement and bag breakage. Wrapping sodden items in a dry towel prior to placing in the soluble bag reduces risk of soluble bag breakage due to fluid exposure. On completion of wash the remains of the soluble bag can simply be removed (it is clean/disinfected) and placed into general waste.

Hope that helps.

[Carrie Spinks]

Thanks Amberlea,

To confirm these are Victorian directives at this time.
Link: https://www.health.vic.gov.au/immunisation/vaccinadfor-healthcare-workers

[Carrie Spinks]

Hi Logan,

I cant help with onsite information, but…..

Some resources if you require them:

Rocket Information:
RESOURCES: https://rocketmedicalipc.com/resources/
Instructions for use: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GET4X3djwsA
Information for patients and nurses: https://sales.rocketmedical.com/media/attachment/file/r/o/rocket_ipc_pleural_catheter_-_information_for_patients_and_nurses.pdf

Management overview:
How to manage and drain an Indwelling Pleural Catheter (IPC): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FCGyjVXUCEk

Regards Carrie

[Author]

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