The most basic and fundamental of infection control and prevention skills is hand washing. Rids the hands of germs which cause infections Hands are a primary means of spreading infections and washing them rids the hands of these germs.

Use either plain soaps or antimicrobial products. Washing with soap suspends microorganisms (germs) and allows them to be mechanically removed by rinsing. Antisepsis: Cleansing with antimicrobial products which kills or inhibits the growth of microorganisms.

Hands should be cared for so that they do not become chapped or irritated. Using lotions can prevent this from occurring.

Use: Soap because it removes germs. Warm water because it’s less damaging to the skin and creates a better lather. Friction because it helps to remove germs. Rub hands back and forth helps to rid the hands of germs.

Use: Dry paper towels to turn on and off the water because it prevents contamination of the hands by the faucet. Dry towels are used because germs can more easily travel through wet towels. Hand lotion after washing to prevent the hands from becoming chapped. Hands that are chapped can become a portal of entry for germs.

Clean your fingernails and cuticles to remove germs. The cuticles often harbor the most germs. Point your fingers downward to prevent water from running down your arms and contaminating your clean hands. Clean all surfaces of the hands including palms, back, tops, and between the fingers.

Beginning of work and before leaving work. Anytime they become contaminated. i.e. after picking up an item off the floor, contact with soiled or contaminated item. After sneezing, coughing, or using a tissue. Before and after: Contact with a patient Donning and removal of gloves Handling a specimen Contact with your mouth or mucous membranes

2 minutes at the beginning and end of your shift. 1 minute or longer if they become dirty. (i.e. getting hands soiled while taking care of a patient, handling dirty linens.) 1 – 2 minutes after caring for an infected patient. (i.e. patient with MRSA) 10 – 15 seconds before caring for another patient. (Singing the Happy Birthday song or the ABC’s song).

Follow the clinical site’s specific policies and procedures on hand washing. Know the protocols for aseptic hand washing in certain areas of the clinical setting. Practice good hand washing at all times.