From the Guidelines
You should wash your hands frequently, especially before touching a patient, before cleaning or aseptic procedures, after body fluid exposure or risk of such exposure, after touching a patient, and after touching a patient's surroundings, as emphasized by the My Five Moments for Hand Hygiene campaign 1.
Importance of Hand Hygiene
Hand hygiene is the cornerstone of all surgical and infection-control policies, and both alcohol-based products and soap and water are effective in preventing the spread of infection 1. However, alcohol-based products have been demonstrated to be superior to soap and water in the inpatient and outpatient setting, with a compliance rate that is approximately 25% higher 1.
When to Wash Your Hands
The following are key moments for performing hand hygiene:
- Before touching a patient
- Before cleaning or aseptic procedures
- After body fluid exposure or risk of such exposure
- After touching a patient
- After touching a patient's surroundings It is also important to wash your hands after using the bathroom, after blowing your nose or coughing, after touching garbage, after handling pets or animal waste, before and after treating wounds or caring for someone who is sick, and after being in public places.
Proper Handwashing Technique
Proper handwashing involves:
- Wetting your hands with clean water
- Applying soap
- Lathering by rubbing your hands together for at least 20 seconds
- Scrubbing all surfaces, including between fingers and under nails
- Rinsing thoroughly
- Drying with a clean towel or air drying If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol 1.
Benefits of Hand Hygiene
Regular handwashing is one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of germs and infections, which can cause illnesses ranging from common colds to serious infections when transferred to our eyes, nose, or mouth 1. Increasing hand hygiene acceptance has been shown to significantly decrease the rates of health care-associated infections 1.
From the Research
When to Wash Your Hands
- Wash your hands frequently throughout the day, especially after spending time in areas with high risk of transmission, such as intensive care units or areas with patients who have acute respiratory infections 2, 3.
- Hand hygiene is crucial in preventing the transmission of healthcare-associated infections and cross-infection between patients 2, 4.
- Wash your hands with soap and water when they are heavily soiled, and use alcohol-based hand sanitizers as an alternative when soap and water are not available or when hands are not heavily soiled 5, 6.
Key Times to Wash Your Hands
- Before entering a patient room or leaving the area 2.
- After spending time in ICU common areas or other high-risk areas 2.
- After having contact with patients who have acute respiratory infections 3.
- Before and after preparing food, especially in retail food and food service settings 6.