1. Hand Washing

2. Handwashing Major aspect of standard precautions
Most important aseptic technique
CDC published new recommendations in 2002

3. #1 technique in preventing the spread of disease

4. Hands are perfect media for spread of pathogens

5. Purposes of handwashing
Prevent and control spread of pathogens
Protection from disease & illness

6. Times hands should be washed
1. When arriving & before leaving facility

7. 2. Before & after every patient

8. 3. Contaminated hands
4. Before & after gloves
5. Before & after handling specimen

9. 6. After contact with contaminated item.

10. 7. After picking up item off floor
8. After restroom
9. After cough, sneeze, etc

11. 10. Before & after contact with mouth or mucous membranes

12. Method for Washing Hands:
Use non-abrasive soap & warm running water
Rub hands vigorously
Wash all surfaces for at least 15 seconds including :
backs of hands
wrists
between fingers
under fingernails
Rinse well
Dry hands with paper towel
Turn off water using paper towel instead of bare hands

13. Waterless Hand Cleaning
Proved safe during routine pt. care
OK when hands not visibly dirty or not contaminated with blood or body fluids
Rub hands until dry-at least 20 seconds
Should use soap and water to wash hands after 6-10 cleanings with waterless hand cleansers
Follow facility policies

14. New CDC Guidelines
3 times when hands must be washed with soap & water:
Clostridium difficile……. C. diff
Visibly soiled
After using bathroom
*Alcohol based hand cleaners are not to be used in the above instances.