Infection Control Guide PDF

Hand Hygiene Definition of hand hygiene  Hand hygiene can be defined as many methods of cleaning the hand that may include:-  washing of the hand using antimicrobial or non antimicrobial soup solution  using an alcohol -based hand rub on the surface of the hand What would happen if we put...

Hand Hygiene Definition of hand hygiene  Hand hygiene can be defined as many methods of cleaning the hand that may include:-  washing of the hand using antimicrobial or non antimicrobial soup solution  using an alcohol -based hand rub on the surface of the hand What would happen if we put our hands on a culture now?  Why hand hygiene?  Most common mode of transmission of pathogens In the hospitals is via hands of health care workers! Patient Object HCW Hand Patient 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 for the purpose of removing or destroying transient microorganisms and reduce resident flora. Types of Hand Hygiene Antiseptic handrub Use of alcohol-based handrub. Surgical antisepsis Use of water and antimicrobial soap) for the purpose of removing or destroying transient microorganisms and reduce resident flora. Recommended duration is 2-6 minutes.  How Germs Spread Germs can spread from person to person or from surfaces to people when you: Touch your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands Prepare or eat food and drinks with unwashed hands Touch surfaces or objects that have germs on them Cough , or sneeze into hands and then touch other people’s hands Washing your hands can keep you healthy and prevent the spread of any infections True or False: Hand hygiene should be performed before and after handling specimens in the laboratory. True or False: Hand hygiene should be performed before and after handling specimens in the laboratory. Answer: True Handwashing is one of the best ways to protect yourself and your family from getting sick. Handwashing education in the community can: Reduce the number of people who get sick with diarrhea by about 23–40% Reduce gastrointestinal infection in schoolchildren by 29–57% Reduce diarrhea in people with suppressed immune systems by about 58% Reduce respiratory diseases, like colds, in the general population by about 16–21% When should I wash my hand When is it necessary for a laboratory technologist to perform hand hygiene? - a) Before putting on gloves - b) After removing gloves - c) After touching any potentially contaminated surface - d) All of the above When is it necessary for a laboratory technologist to perform hand hygiene? - a) Before putting on gloves - b) After removing gloves - c) After touching any potentially contaminated surface - d) All of the above Answer: D Frequently missed areas Which part of the hand is most often missed during handwashing? - a) Palms - b) Fingertips and nails - c) Wrists - d) Between the fingers Which part of the hand is most often missed during handwashing? - a) Palms - b) Fingertips and nails - c) Wrists - d) Between the fingers -Answer: b Let’s learn how to wash our hands  Alcohol-Based Hand Rubs Alcohol-based hand rub is the recommended product for hand hygiene in healthcare settings when hands are visibly clean. Hand Hygiene in Healthcare Settings CDC (center of disease control and prevention) recommends the use of alcohol- based hand sanitizers as the primary method for hand hygiene in most healthcare situations. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers effectively reduce the number of germs that may be on the hands of healthcare workers after interacting with patients. Using hand sanitizers is also a quick and easy way for healthcare workers to clean their hands, so it improves hand hygiene compliance in healthcare settings.  Hand hygiene time  Optimal hand hygiene using soap and water takes 40 to 60 seconds  Optimal hand hygiene using an alcohol-based hand rub takes 20 to 30 seconds  Both are effective methods What is the most effective method of hand hygiene for removing visible dirt and contaminants from the hands? - a) Alcohol-based hand sanitizer - b) Antibacterial wipes - c) Soap and water - d) Rinsing with water only What is the most effective method of hand hygiene for removing visible dirt and contaminants from the hands? - a) Alcohol-based hand sanitizer - b) Antibacterial wipes - c) Soap and water - d) Rinsing with water only Answer:c For how long should a laboratory technologist rub their hands when using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer to ensure effective disinfection? - a) 5 seconds - b) 10 seconds - c) 15 seconds - d) 20-30 seconds For how long should a laboratory technologist rub their hands when using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer to ensure effective disinfection? - a) 5 seconds - b) 10 seconds - c) 15 seconds - d) 20-30 seconds Answer: d  There are important differences between washing hands with soap and water and using hand sanitizer  Soapand water work to remove all types of germs from hands, while sanitizer acts by killing certain germs on the skin.  Soap and water are more effective than hand sanitizers at removing certain kinds of germs If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol to clean your hands Don’t forget to dry your hands using a clean towel or air dry them.Why?  Germs can be transferred more easily to and from wet hands; therefore, hands should be dried after washing True or False: Laboratory technologists must wash their hands after removing gloves, even if the gloves were not visibly contaminated. True or False: Laboratory technologists must wash their hands after removing gloves, even if the gloves were not visibly contaminated. Answer: True True or False: Alcohol-based hand sanitizers are more effective than soap and water at removing dirt and debris from hands. **True or False: Alcohol-based hand sanitizers are more effective than soap and water at removing dirt and debris from hands. Answer: False Thank you