CDI Myths & Facts FY2016
- MYTH: Clostridium difficile is not a problem at UCSF Health
- MYTH: One loose stool constitutes diarrhea
- MYTH: All hospitalized patients with fever and leukocytosis should be tested for C. difficile.
- MYTH: Empiric antibiotics need to be continued for a full course.
- MYTH: The hand washing soap we use at UCSF kills C. difficle spores
- MYTH: When a patient is on Contact Precautions, I only have to wear a gown and gloves if I plan to touch the patient.
- MYTH: The order in which I put on and remove my personal protective equipment (PPE) is not important.
- MYTH: The gray top Sani-Cloths are not effective against C. difficile.
- MYTH: Once diarrhea is absent for ≥ 48 hours, Contact Precautions can be discontinued.
- MYTH: It is acceptable to use my personal stethoscope on a patient with C. difficile as long as I wipe it off afterwards.
- MYTH: Family and visitors who enter the room of a C. difficile patient MUST wear a gown and gloves.
- Preventing Clostridium difficile at UCSF