Hand Hygiene for Professionals

Hand hygiene with an antiseptic agent is recommended for routine patient care

Hand antisepsis refers to application of an antiseptic agent to the hands to reduce the amount of microbial flora. Alcohol hand sanitizer is the preferred agent. Hand antisepsis is indicated:

• Before and after providing any direct patient care
• Before and after using gloves
• Before performing invasive procedures (e.g. dressing changes, catheter insertion, catheter care, IV insertion or IV site manipulation)
• When moving from a contaminated body site to a clean body site during direct patient care
• After handling contaminated equipment
• After contact with blood, body fluids, secretions, dressings, etc.
• When arriving and leaving the work area

Note: When hands are visibly soiled or when caring for patients with infectious gastroenteritis, wash hands with plain soap before using alcohol hand sanitizer OR wash hands with antimicrobial soap.

Routine hand washing refers to cleaning hands with plain soap. Routine hand washing is indicated:

• After using the washroom
• Before eating
• After 5 to 6 applications of an alcohol hand sanitizer to remove residual emollients

Alcohol Hand Sanitizer

1. Take a dime size amount (approx 3mL) of the product in the palm
2. Spread the product to cover all hand surfaces including nail beds, web spaces, thumbs, and the back of hands
3. Rub hands together for 15 seconds or until dry
   

Hand Washing with Soap (Antimicrobial or Plain)

1. Wet hands under a steady flow of warm water
2. Apply an adequate amount of the appropriate soap, ie. one pump from the dispenser
3. Using friction to wash all surfaces of both hands, including web spaces, thumbs, and the back of the hands
4. Rub nail beds against the opposite palm
5. Wash for a minimum of 15 seconds
6. Rinse thoroughly and dry hands gently with clean paper towel
7. Use paper towel to turn off taps
8. Discard paper towel
   

Remember!

• Direct patient care providers must not wear artificial fingernails or extenders
• Keep fingernails short (less than 3 mm) and clean to prevent the spread of infection
• Direct patient care providers must not wear chipped nail polish, as bacteria may become trapped along edges
• Direct patient care providers must wear a minimum amount of hand jewelry. Remove hand jewelry before performing hand hygiene.