Hand Washing and Hand Hygiene presonal care

 

• Simple hand washing and hand hygiene, according to the CDC, are the single most important practices for minimizing touch contamination and reducing the transmission of infectious agents.

  
  

  Hand washing – using plain or antiseptic soap and water.

  Plain detergent soaps with minimal anti-microbial activity must be used for 20 to 30 seconds. Adherence to proper hand-washing technique in the hospital remains less than 50%, according to the CDC.

  
  
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• Hand Hygiene

• Hand hygiene - using special alcohol-based rinses, gels, or foams that do not require water.

  Alcohol based products are preferred because of their superior antimicrobial activity, shorter contact time, quick drying effect, minimal skin irritation, and convenience.
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

  PPE is critical to infection control in a facility, protecting both healthcare workers and others from infectious diseases.

  Gown or Apron: worn over the required uniform or scrubs with the opening in the back; ties should be secure.

  Masks and Respirators: placed over the nose, mouth, and chin and secured to the back of the head using ties or elastic.

  Goggles and Face Shields: positioned over the eyes or face and secured to the head with earpieces or elastic.

  
  

  Gloves

  The CDC recommends that healthcare workers use gloves, primarily to prevent the transmission of normal or pathogenic skin flora to patients. Aseptic hand washing alone may not prevent the transmission of microorganisms if hands are heavily contaminated.

  
  

  Gloves are made of latex or vinyl; both materials appear to offer comparable protection. Latex-free gloves should be available to those sensitive to latex. Used gloves should be discarded in a designated area and gloves should never be washed or reused.