HANDWASHING

HANDWASHING

Hand washing involves both mechanical and chemical action. Careful washing of the hands reduces the number of bacteria

Hand washing is the single most important means of preventing the transmission of infectious agents. Careful washing of hands using soap, water and nail brush reduces the number of bacteria

Hand washing is most important to reduce the numbers of bacteria. Soap and water will emulsify fat, clean the hands and reduces the number of microorganisms

Purpose

To encourage hand washing in following situations:

On starting and completion of duty shifts
Before performing any invasive and non-invasive procedure
Between handling of patient and between procedures on same patient
After handing contaminated articles like, urinal and bedpan, etc
After dealing with situations when microbial contamination is likely, even if gloves are used

Equipment

Soap
Bowel with 7% Lysol
Nail brush
Towel
Running water

Precautions Taken During Hand Washing

Nails should be short to avoid the dirt and microorganism
Remove watch and jewelry from hands and wrists
Fold back sleeves above elbow (if necessary)
Stand away from wash basin
Avoid splashing water against uniform clothes

Procedure

Turn on tap using elbow and regulate flow of water
Wet hands and lower arms under running water keep hand forearms lower than elbows during washing
Apply soap to hands, replace soap in dish
Scrub hands area between fingers and wrist in rotatory movement for 15 to 30 seconds
Clean finger nails with brush or use finger nails of other hand
Rinse hands and wrist, forearm and elbow in running water. Ensure that hand and forearms are lower than elbows during washing
Close tap with elbow
Dry hands from fingers to wrist and forearms now hold arms above elbow

Hands should be washed at the following times:

When visibly contaminated with blood, body fluids, or tissues
After every patient contact
After removal of gloves and other protective wear or equipment
Before eating, drinking, smoking, applying makeup, or changing contact lenses outside of the lab, and after using the lavatory facilities
Before all other activities that entail hand contact with mucous membranes or a break in the skin
Periodically during the day when routinely handling and testing bloody fluid