Hand Hygiene Handwashing A Critical Infection Control Issue

Hand Hygiene Handwashing A Critical Infection Control Issue

OBJECTIVES At the end of this lesson the student will: 1. Able to wash hands with 100% accuracy following procedure sheet. 2. Understand the basic principles of aseptic handwashing.

Aseptic Handwashing is a basic task required in any health occupation. n Handwashing is generally considered to be the most important method in preventing the spread of infection. n Regular handwashing is recommended for routine cleansing of the hands when visibly soiled. n

Aseptic Handwashing Soap is used as a cleaning agent because it aids in removal of germs. n Liquid soap should be used, as bar soap can contain microorganisms n Warm water should be used, hot water will burn hands and cold water lessens the lather. n Friction helps to rub off pathogens n

Aseptic Handwashing Fingertips must point downward to prevent water from getting of forearms and running down to contaminate hands. n Dry towels must be used to turn the faucet on and off, wet towels allow passage of pathogens to the hands. n Nails harbor dirt and must be cleaned with the blunt end of an orange stick to prevent injury. n

Handwashing should be performed: 1. When arriving and leaving work facility 2. Before and after every patient contact 3. Before moving from contaminated body site to a clean body site 4. Any time hands are contaminated 5. Before applying and after removing gloves 6. Any time gloves are torn or punctured

Handwashing should be performed: 7. Before and after handling specimens n 8. After contact with any soiled item n 9. After picking up item from floor n 10. After personal use of the bathroom n 11. After you cough, sneeze, or use a tissue n 12. Before and after any contact with your mouth or mucous membrane, such as eating, drinking, smoking, applying lip balm, or inserting or removing contact lens. n

Hand Hygiene Techniques 1. Alcohol hand rub 2. Routine hand wash 10 -15 seconds 3. Aseptic procedures 1 minute 4. Surgical wash 3 -5 minutes

Routine Hand Wash Repeat procedures until hands are clean

Areas Most Frequently Missed HAHS © 1999

Hand Care n Nails n Rings n Hand creams n Cuts & abrasions n “Chapping” n Skin Problems

In Review: Handwashing is the simplest, most effective measure for preventing the spread of infection.

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