Recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Handwashing

In a Healthcare Setting Regular handwashing is the MOST important practice for aseptic technique. Ingredients = plain soap and water Use regular handwashing for routine cleansing and whenever the hands are visibly soiled.

OSHA Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OHSA) sets safety standards for the workplace. OSHA standards include standards that prevent the spread of bloodborne pathogens. Handwashing – an important safety standard. According to the CDC, “Handwashing is a simple thing and it's the best way to prevent infection and illness.”

Antiseptic Handwashing Use an antimicrobial soap and water. Usually used before invasive procedures, in critical care units, or when a patient is on transmission-based precautions. Should antimicrobial handwashing be used more frequently? Why or why not?

When Should You Wash Your Hands? When arriving at and before leaving a healthcare facility. Before and after every patient contact. Before moving from a contaminated body site to a clean body site. Any time hands become contaminated during a procedure. Before applying and immediately after removing gloves.

When Should You Wash Your Hands? Any time gloves are torn or punctured. Before and after handling specimens. After picking up an item off the floor. After personal use of the bathroom. After you cough, sneeze, or use a tissue. Before or after any contact with your mouth or mucous membrane (eating, drinking, inserting contacts, etc.)

Antiseptic Hand Rubs Alcohol-based Types Use when hands are not visibly soiled Guidelines

Group Discussion Do all healthcare workers practice all of these handwashing standards all of the time? Based on what you have learned, would you guess that nosocomial infections are almost always preventable, often preventable, or occasionally preventable? Are some healthcare professionals more likely to wash their hands than others? Why?

Guidelines for Hand Hygiene Summary Handwashing agents Sinks Understaffing/Overcrowding Patient Needs Low risk versus High risk Self Reporting Surgical Hand Hygiene Handscrub vs Handrub Skin Care