Hand hygiene.pdf

D. Wash hands with either plain or antimicrobial soap and water or rub hands with an alcohol-based
formulation before handling medication or preparing food (IB) 670-675 .
E. When alcohol-based handrub is already used, do not use antimicrobial soap concomitantly
(II) 463 .
2. HAND HYGIENE TECHNIQUE
A.
B.
C.
D.
Apply a palmful of the product and cover all surfaces of the hands. Rub hands until
hands are dry (IB) 145 . (The technique for handrubbing is illustrated on page 100.)
When washing hands with soap and water, wet hands with water and apply the amount
of product necessary to cover all surfaces. Vigorously perform rotational handrubbing
on both hand palms and backs, interlace and interlock fingers to cover all surfaces.
Rinse hands with water and dry thoroughly with a single-use towel. Use running and
clean water whenever possible. Use towel to turn off tap/faucet (IB) 93,155,157,498,680 . (The
technique for handwashing is illustrated on page 101.)
Make sure hands are dry. Use a method that does not recontaminate hands. Make sure
towels are not used multiple times or by multiple people (IB) 31,65,142,183,434,512 . Avoid
using hot water, as repeated exposure to hot water may increase the risk of dermatitis
(IB) 433,434 .
Liquid, bar, leaf or powdered forms of plain soap are acceptable when washing hands
with a non-antimicrobial soap and water. When bar soap is used, small bars of soap in
racks that facilitate drainage should be used (II) 191,192,491,492 .
3. RECOMMENDATIONS FOR SURGICAL HAND
PREPARATION
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
If hands are visibly soiled, wash hands with plain soap before surgical hand preparation
(II). Remove debris from underneath fingernails using a nail cleaner, preferably under
running water (II) 20,681 .
Sinks should be designed to reduce the risk of splashes (II) 169,407 .
Remove rings, wrist-watch, and bracelets before beginning the surgical hand preparation
(II) 653,657,682 . Artificial nails are prohibited (IB) 96,390,663,665 .
Surgical hand antisepsis should be performed using either an antimicrobial soap or an
alcohol-based handrub, preferably with a product ensuring sustained activity, before
donning sterile gloves (IB) 104,208,348,379,683,684 .
If quality of water is not assured (as described in Table I.9.2) in the operating theatre, surgical
hand antisepsis using an alcohol-based handrub is recommended before donning
sterile gloves when performing surgical procedures (II) 104,178,208,348,379,683,684 .