History of Infection Prevention

History of Infection Prevention

Period: 1830 to 2018

Hand Washing

1846

The concept of hand-washing to prevent infections was introduced by Ignaz Semmelweis

Discovery of Antiseptics

1860

Dr. Joseph Lister began using carbolic acid, also known as phenol, as an antiseptic to prevent infections in wounds.

Publication of Lister's Findings

1867

Lister published his successful methods for decreasing infection rates in a medical journal dubbed "The Lancet". It took 12 years for his discoveries to gain widespread acceptance.

Steam Sterilization of Instruments

1885

Ernst Von Bergmann, a German physician, is credited with introducing the sterilization of wound dressings as well as other medical equipment. His methods set the standard for modern sterilization techniques.

Introduction of Gloves

1898

William Stuart Halstead, an American surgeon, introduced sterile rubber gloves to surgery, further minimizing cross-contamination between healthcare workers and patients.

Fleming's Findings

1928

Alexander Fleming discovered penicillin, the first true antibiotic, in 1928. It took a over a decade for it to be implemented as a bacterial infection treatment.

Discovery of Cephalosporins

1953

Cephalosporin C was isolated and tested. After finding positive results, it began to be mass produced. Cephalosporins can treat a wide variety of bacterial infections. It is similar to penicillin.

Implementation of Standard Gown and Glove PPE

1970

The CDC added the use of gowns and gloves into their guidelines for preventing infections in hospitals, particularly isolation units.

Face Shields and Eye Masks

1985

In 1985, the CDC expanded its guidelines to include face masks and eye shields in order to protect mucous membranes amongst heightened alert to exposure to blood and body fluids.