Handwashing Antiseptic Handrubbing

• applying an antiseptic handrub to reduce

Hand Hygiene or inhibit the growth of microorganisms
• general term referring to any action of hand without the need for an exogenous source
cleansing of water and requiring no rinsing or drying
• The single most effective measure to with towels or other devices

reduce healthcare-associated infections • Ex. Alcohol-based (hand)rub—an alcohol-

and hospital acquired infections containing preparation designed for
(nosocomial)
application to the hands to inactivate
microoorganisms and/or temporarily
The 5 Moments suppress their growth

• applies to all setting where direct contact

with patients takes place
*If soap and water is not available, use an
• Before touching patient
alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at
• Before aseptic procedure
least 60% alcohol
• Every after body fluid exposure risks

• Every after touching a patient

How long should you perform hand
• After touching patient’s surroundings
rubbing?
• It takes 20-30 seconds to effectively
Handwashing reduce the growth of germs in the hands

• washing hands with plain or antimicrobial

soap and water
Alcohol-Based Handrubs:
Benefits they provide:
How long should you perform • requires less time

handwashing? • More effective for standard handwashing

• To effectively reduce the growth of germs than soap

on hands, handwashing must last 40-60 • More accessible than sinks

seconds
• Reduce bacterial counts on hands

• Improve skin condition

How should you wash your hands?

• Wet your hands
Surgical Handwashing
• Lather your hands (back of hands, between • surgical hand antisepsis

fingers, under nails)

• Presurgical hand preparation

• Scrub your hands (at least 20 seconds)

• Surgical hand preparation

• Rinse your hands

• Antiseptic handwash or antiseptic handrub
• Dry your hands (clean towel or air dry)
performed preoperatively by the surgical
team to eliminate transient flora and reduce
When should you wash your hands?
resident skin flora
• Before, during, after preparing food

• Before eating food

• Before and after caring for someone who is

sick

• Before and after treating a cut or wound

• After using the toilet

• After changing diapers

• After blowing nose, coughing, sneezing

• After touching an animal

• After handling pet food

• After touching garbage

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