Hand Hygiene Technique

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It cannot be said too often that hand washing is the most important and most basic technique in preventing and controlling infections. It is the single most effective infection control measure. Hand washing is under the umbrella of hand hygiene. Hand hygiene is defined by the World Health Organization (2009) as a general term that applies to handwashing, antiseptic handwash, antiseptic hand rub or surgical hand antisepsis.

Definitions of Terms

• Hand Hygiene. It is a general term that applies to handwashing, antiseptic handwash, antiseptic hand rub, or surgical hand antisepsis
• Hand Washing. It is defined as washing of hands with plain (i.e., non-antimicrobial) soap and water.
• Antiseptic Handwash. A term that applies to handwashing with an antimicrobial soap and water.
• Surgical Hand Antisepsis. Commonly called as surgical hand scrub. This is to remove as many microorganisms from the hands as possible before the sterile procedure.

• Hand washing can prevent infection
• Avoid pathogenic microorganisms and to avoid transmitting them

Equipments/Items Needed for Hand Washing

• Soap
• Clean Water
• Alcohol

Hand Washing Procedure According to WHO

• Wet hands with water;
• Apply enough soap to cover all hand surfaces;
• Rub hands palm to palm;
• Right palm over left dorsum with interlaced fingers and vice versa;
• Palm to palm with fingers interlaced;
• Backs of fingers to opposing palms with fingers interlocked;
• Rotational rubbing of left thumb clasped in right palm and vice versa;
• Rotational rubbing, backwards and forwards with clasped fingers of right hand in left palm and vice versa;
• Rinse hands with water;
• Dry hands thoroughly with a single use towel;
• Use towel to turn off faucet;
• Your hands are now safe. =)

When to wash hands

According to World Health Organization (WHO) there are Five Moments for Hand Hygiene

1. Before Patient Contact.
2. Before and Antiseptic Task.
3. After Body Fluid Exposure Risk.
4. After Patient Contact.
5. After Contact with Patient Surroundings.