Reservoirs and Pathways in Plain Sight
Use reservoirs and pathways to identify where infection-control action is needed.
A clinical room is a movement map. You are not looking for germs with your eyes. You are looking for places germs could live and routes they could use. Reservoirs are not only people Skin, gut, respiratory secretions, blood, sinks, wet surfaces, dry high-touch surfaces, dust, and devices can all hold organisms long enough to matter. Pathways are the travel lanes Hands, gloves, cuffs, shared equipment, droplets, splashes, aerosols, sharps, and device access can move organisms from one place to another. Portals make ordinary contact higher stakes An IV line, urinary catheter, wound, mucous membrane, or needlestick can bypass normal…
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