Hand Washing Procedure in Healthcare

Hand Washing Procedure

• Hand washing is a simple but effective way to break the chain of infection.
• It is important for healthcare professionals to wash their hands to prevent the transfer of microorganisms between patients, coworkers, and themselves.
• Hand washing doesn't kill microorganisms but it reduces their number, making it a key medical aseptic technique.

Objectives of Hand Washing

• Remove dirt from the skin
• Remove transient microorganisms
• Reduce the number of resident microorganisms
• Prevent the transmission of pathogens (cross-contamination)

Equipment Needed

• Running water (warm, if available)
• Soap and soap dish
• Hand brush
• Individual hand towel or tissue paper
• Emollient to prevent hand dryness

Hand Washing Procedure

• Prepare needed equipment - Save time and effort
• Remove jewelry - Watches and jewelry harbor microorganisms
• Roll sleeves above elbows - Prevents wetting of clothes
• Stand at a safe distance from the sink - Adequate margin to prevent contamination. Good body mechanics
• Turn on tap - Adjust water flow. Splashing wets the clothes, good media for microorganism attraction. Keep water running during procedure. running water doesn't harbor microorganisms as stagnant water
• Wet Hands - Warm water removes more oils from the skin than cold water. Soap suds are better produced with warm water. Water and friction ensure enough suds.
• Wash and Rinse tap handle - Unclean tap handle can recontaminate hands after the washing.
• Apply soap- thorough on hands
• Rinse - Make sure to rinse the soap bar and return to the soap dish
• Exert pressure using rotating movement and friction - Friction helps to remove organisms; use palm folds, between fingers and back of hands, and under nails (use hand brush, if needed), and wrists
• Rub for at least one minute
• Rinse hands thoroughly - Soap kept on hands causes skin irritation
• Turn off tap - Turn off with foot or with elbow if possible. Use clean, dry paper towel, avoid touching handles with hands.
• Dry hands - Use a towel or tissue paper. Apply emollient (lotion) if hands are dry

Additional Information

• Wash hands before and after each procedure and after using the toilet
• The steps for proper handwashing include wetting hands, applying soap, rubbing hands for 20 seconds, rinsing, and drying.
• Important to pay attention to all areas of the hands and wrist.