Prepare for the 1990s: Part I. Update: tuberculosis, hepatitis and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome.

To properly care for patients, gastroenterology nurses and associates need current information for safe and effective infection control. It is important to understand the infections that potentially could be transmitted in the GI unit. Knowledge is needed for the preparation and care of equipment to minimize transmission of infectious agents. Health care providers responsible for the disinfection of endoscopic equipment must know which infectious and chemical cleaning agents threaten them. This column will attempt to cover these areas during the coming year.