3. Hand Hygiene
• Hand hygiene: A general term that applies to either
handwashing, antiseptic handwash, antiseptic hand
rub, or surgical hand antisepsis.
• Hand antisepsis: Refers to either antiseptic handwash
or antiseptic hand rub.
• Handwashing: Washing hands with plain (i.e., non-
antimicrobial) soap and water.
5. The Microbial Flora Of The Skin Can Be
Divided Into Two Categories:
a. Resident microorganisms
b. Transient microorganisms
• Associated with HAI
• Non-colonizing flora are easily removed by routine
hand washing
11. Failure to cleanse hands results inFailure to cleanse hands results in
between-patient cross-transmissionbetween-patient cross-transmission
12. Failure to cleanse hands results inFailure to cleanse hands results in
between-patient cross-transmissionbetween-patient cross-transmission
13. Failure to cleanse hands during patient careFailure to cleanse hands during patient care
results in within-patient cross-transmissionresults in within-patient cross-transmission
15. Indications
Wash hands with soap and water :
•Visibly dirty or contaminated with proteinaceous material
•Visibly soiled with blood or other body fluids
•After using the restroom.
•Preferably use an alcohol-based hand rub for routine hand
antisepsis if hands not visibly soiled.
16. Routine Hand Wash After…….Routine Hand Wash After…….
• Invasive procedures
• Taking care of particularly susceptible patients
• Dealing with wounds, whether surgical, traumatic, or by an
invasive device.
• Situations where contamination of hands is likely to occur
• Touching inanimate sources likely to be contaminated
• Using the toilet or latrine
• Removing gloves
• BEFORE and AFTER contact with patients
26. Other Aspects Of Hand HygieneOther Aspects Of Hand Hygiene
• Do not wear artificial fingernails or extenders when
having direct contact with patients.
• Keep natural nails short (tips less than 0.5 cm long).