MDRO Prevention

What is done to prevent the spread of MDRO at National Jewish Health?

When you visit National Jewish Health, let the health care providers know if you/your child has an MDRO. 

Standard precautions are taken with every patient to prevent the spread of MDRO and other infections at National Jewish Health. For all patients, our health care workers:

• Clean their hands with soap and water or alcohol-based hand rub before and after contact with each patient.

• Clean high-touch surfaces with a disinfectant that kills MRSA and other bacteria and viruses often found in health care settings.

• Educate and encourage patients to keep their hands clean and to keep coughs and sneezes covered.

• Wear personal protective equipment such as gloves, gowns and/or masks to protect their skin, clothing, eyes, mouth and nose when performing certain tasks.

When it is known that a patient has an MDRO infection, several additional precautions may be taken:

• Health care workers may wear a gown when working with you.

• If you are an inpatient or day patient, you may be isolated in a room by yourself.

• Some pediatric patients with MDRO infections are not allowed to participate in group activities.

How can you and your health care team keep hands clean?

Clean hands often, especially before touching the face, before eating and after going to the bathroom. Health care workers are to clean hands before and after contact with every patient. To ensure hands are clean:

• If using soap and water: wet hands, scrub with soap for 15-20 seconds ensuring to cover all surfaces (front, back, between fingers and fingertips), rinse with clean water, dry using a paper towel, and use the paper towel to turn off the faucet.

• If using an alcohol-based hand rub: put product on hands and rub together until the product dries ensuring to cover all surfaces (front, back, between fingers and fingertips).

What do visitors/family members need to know while at National Jewish Health?

In general, healthy people are at low risk for getting infected with MDRO. Good hand hygiene is recommended for family and visitors before leaving the room of a person infected with MDRO. Visitors may be asked to wear a gown and gloves under certain circumstances.

What precautions should be taken at home?

To prevent the spread of MDRO to others:

• Take medications as prescribed to you by your provider.

• Clean your hands often, especially after any contact with the area of your body where the MDRO has been found.

• Caretakers, people living with you and visitors should also clean their hands often.

• Avoid sharing personal items such as towels or razors.

• Wash and dry clothing, bed linens and towels in the warmest temperatures recommended on labels.

• Keep your environment clean by using household cleaners and disinfectants following label instructions.