Transcript Handwashing
The most basic and fundamental of
infection control and prevention skills
is hand washing.
Rids the hands of germs which
cause infections
Hands are a primary means of
spreading infections and washing
them rids the hands of these germs.
Use either plain soaps or antimicrobial products.
Washing with soap suspends microorganisms
(germs) and allows them to be mechanically
removed by rinsing.
Antisepsis: Cleansing with antimicrobial products
which kills or inhibits the growth of microorganisms .
Hands should be cared for so that
they do not become chapped or
irritated.
Using lotions can prevent this from
occurring.
Use:
Soap because it removes germs.
Warm water because it’s less damaging to
the skin and creates a better lather.
Friction because it helps to remove germs.
Rub hands back and forth helps to rid the
hands of germs.
Use:
Dry paper towels to turn on and off the water
because it prevents contamination of the
hands by the faucet.
Dry towels are used because germs can
more easily travel through wet towels.
Hand lotion after washing to prevent the
hands from becoming chapped.
Hands that are chapped can become a
portal of entry for germs.
Clean your fingernails and cuticles to remove germs.
The cuticles often harbor the most germs.
Point your fingers downward to prevent water from
running down your arms and contaminating your
clean hands.
Clean all surfaces of the hands including palms,
back, tops, and between the fingers.
Beginning of work and before leaving work.
Anytime they become contaminated.
i.e. after picking up an item off the floor, contact
with soiled or contaminated item.
After sneezing, coughing, or using a tissue.
Before and after:
Contact with a patient
Donning and removal of gloves
Handling a specimen
Contact with your mouth or mucous membranes
2 minutes at the beginning and end of your shift.
1 minute or longer if they become dirty.
(i.e. getting hands soiled while taking care of a patient,
handling dirty linens.)
1 – 2 minutes after caring for an infected patient.
(i.e. patient with MRSA)
10 – 15 seconds before caring for another patient.
(Singing the Happy Birthday song or the ABC’s song).
Follow the clinical site’s specific policies and
procedures on hand washing.
Know the protocols for aseptic hand washing
in certain areas of the clinical setting.
Practice good hand washing at all times.