Hand Hygiene

Hand washing is the cornerstone to aseptic technique practiced by all medical professionals in an effort to decrease the risk of bacterial contamination and the transmission of microbes from patient to patient. A surgical scrub hand washing is performed prior to any invasive procedure. This procedure requires the use of a long-acting, powerful antimicrobial soap on the hands and forearms for a longer period of time than that used for typical hand washing. The CDC recommends at least two to five minutes prior to surgical or maximum sterile procedures (9,21).

The correct procedure for washing hands prior to an insertion or any invasive procedure is:

1. Remove all jewelry on hands and wrists including rings, watches and bracelets. False fingernails are not permissible during invasive procedures.
2. Dispense soap or antiseptic solution into cupped hands and use continuously running water. Warm water is preferred.
3. Thoroughly cleanse the palms and backs of both hands, between fingers and around and under fingernails and the wrist area for 2-5 minutes.
4. Avoid splashing that may cause contamination of clothing and other skin surfaces.
5. Rinse hands thoroughly under warm running water.
6. Use a sterile towel to dry hands. Do NOT wave hands or blow on skin to dry.
7. Turn off faucet using same paper towel.
8. Keep hands above waist level in an effort to limit recontamination.

Despite the attention given to hand cleansing, bare hands are always considered a potential source of infection. Gloves are used whenever the hands will come into contact with bodily fluids or other potential pathogens.