Effective Handwashing WHY WHY Should We Wash Our Hands? ? ? ?

Effective Effective HandwashingHandwashing

WHYWHY Should We Should We Wash Our Hands?Wash Our Hands?

? ??

“It is known that handwashing causes a significant reduction in the carriage of

potential pathogens on the hands.”

Handwash(ing):Handwash(ing):

A process for the removal of soil and transient microorganisms from the hands.

Hand Antisepsis:Hand Antisepsis:

A process for the

removal or destruction

of transient microorganisms.

Antimicrobial Soap:Antimicrobial Soap:

A soap containing an ingredient with in-vitro and in-vivo activity against skin flora.

Health Care Personnel Hand wash:Health Care Personnel Hand wash:

A broad-spectrum, anti-microbial preparation that is fast-acting, non-irritating, and designed for frequent use that reduces the number of transient flora on intact skin to a baseline level.

Transient Flora:Transient Flora:

Microorganisms isolated from the skin but not demonstrated to be consistently present in the majority of persons.

A.K.A. “contaminating flora or non colonizing flora.”

The decision regarding when hand washing should occur depends on: The intensity of contact with patients. The degree of contamination that is

likely to occur with that contact. The susceptibility of patients to

infection. The procedure to be performed.

WHENWHEN Should We Wash Our Hands?Should We Wash Our Hands?

When visibly soiled Before and after patient contact After contact with a source of

microorganisms After removing gloves

Hands must be washed thoroughly with soap and water . . .

WHENWHEN Should We Wash Our Hands?Should We Wash Our Hands?

Before the performance of invasive procedures.

When persistent antimicrobialactivity on the hands is desired.

When it is important to reducenumbers of resident skin flora in addition to transient microorganisms.

WHENWHEN Should We Wash Our Hands?Should We Wash Our Hands?

HOWHOW Should We Wash Our Hands?Should We Wash Our Hands?

Wet hands with running water.

Apply soap. Thoroughly distribute soap over all hand surfaces.

Vigorously rub hands together for 10-15 seconds.

Rinse soap.

Dry hands with a disposable towel.

Turn water off using a disposable towel (unless foot operated).

A Few Helpful Tips . . .A Few Helpful Tips . . .

Be sure to thoroughly wash all skin surfaces.

Pay close attention to hard-to-reach areas:– Between the fingers– Finger tips– Under the nails

Use a nail brush if necessary

Use warmwarm water … not too hot, not too cold

A Few Other Suggestions . . .A Few Other Suggestions . . .

LotionsLotionsLotions may be used to prevent skin dryness.

JewelryJewelryTotal bacterial counts are higher when rings are worn.

Alcohol Gel Waterless Hand AntisepticsAlcohol Gel Waterless Hand Antiseptics

Use high concentrations of alcohol to provide hand antisepsis– Usually 60-65% ethyl alcohol

Do not require water Do not require hand drying

with a towel