Types of Hand Hygiene
The following are the types of hand hygiene:
- Routine handwash. Use of water and non-antimicrobial soap for the purpose of removing soil and transient microorganisms.
- Antiseptic handwash. Use of water and antimicrobial
soap (e.g., chlorhexidine, iodine and iodophors, chloroxylenol [PCMX],
triclosan) for the purpose of removing or destroying transient
microorganisms and reduce resident flora.
- Antiseptic handrub. Use of alcohol-based handrub.
- Surgical antisepsis. Use of water and antimicrobial
soap (e.g., chlorhexidine, iodine and iodophors, chloroxylenol [PCMX],
triclosan) for the purpose of removing or destroying transient
microorganisms and reduce resident flora. Recommended duration is 2-6
minutes.
Indicators of Hand Hygiene
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), there are Five Moments for Hand Hygiene:
- Before Patient Contact.
- Before and Antiseptic Task.
- After Body Fluid Exposure Risk.
- After Patient Contact.
- After Contact with Patient Surroundings.
Supplies Needed
The following materials or equipment are needed to perform hand washing:
- Soap or detergent
- Warm running water
- Paper towels
- Alcohol
- Optional: Antiseptic cleaner, fingernail brush, plastic cuticle stick
Procedures
Below are the step-by-step guide for different hand hygiene methods:
Antiseptic Handrub
The use of alcohol-based handrub.
1. Ensure jewellery has been removed
2. Apply quantity of alcohol-based hand hygiene product as per manufacturer’s recommendations into cupped hand.
3. Rub hands palm to palm
4. Right palm over left dorsum with interlaced fingers and vice versa.
5. Palm to palm with fingers interlaced
6. Backs of fingers to opposing palms with fingers interlaced
7. Rotational rubbing of left thumb clasped in right palm and vice versa
8. Rotational rubbing, backwards and forwards with clasped fingers of right hand in left
palm and vice versa
9. Rubbing hands together until hands are dry before continuing with patient care, do not rub off excess product
Antiseptic Handwash
Also known as clean technique, includes procedures used to reduce the number of organisms on hands.
1. Gather the necessary supplies. Stand in front of the sink.
2. Wet the hands and wrist area. Keep hands lower than elbows to allow water to flow towards the fingertips.
3. Cover all areas of hands with soap.
4. With firm rubbing and circular motions, wash the
palms and backs of the hands, each finger, the knuckles, wrists, and
forearms. Continue this friction motion for 30 seconds.
5. Rinse thoroughly with water flowing towards the fingertips.
6. Pat hands dry, beginning with the fingers and moving upward towards forearms, with a paper towel and discard immediately.
7. In the absence of sensors or foot pedal, use another clean paper towel to turn off the faucet.
Surgical Antisepsis
Also known as sterile technique, prevents contamination of an open
wound, serves to isolate the operative area from the unsterile
environment, and maintains a sterile field for surgery.
1. Remove all pieces of jewelry.
2. Wet hands using sterile water with water closest to your body temperature.
3. Wash hands using antimicrobial soap and/or povidone-iodine.
4. Clean subungual areas with a nail file.
5. Scrub each side of each finger, between the fingers, and the backs and fronts of the hands for at least 4 minutes.
6. Proceed to scrub the hands, keeping the hand
higher than the arm at all times to prevent bacteria-laden soap and
water from contaminating the hands.
7. Rinse hands and arms by passing them through the flowing water in one direction only, from fingertips to elbow.
8. Proceed to the operating room holding hands above elbows.
9. Dry hands and arms using sterile towel observing aseptic technique.
