Notes

Hand Cleansing
Hand cleansing is the most basic and important type of medical asepsis. Hand cleansing is the number one way to prevent the spread of infection. Hands can act as a mode of transmission in the chain of infection by carrying pathogens from one patient to another patient. Additionally, when pathogens are on a health care worker's hands, the health care worker is in danger of contracting the disease or infection. Because of this danger, health care workers must use appropriate hand cleansing hygiene.
When to Cleanse Hands
Health care workers should cleanse their hands frequently, including
-When arriving at the health care facility and immediately before leaving the facility.
-Before and after every patient contact.
-Before and after performing a procedure.
-Before and after handling a specimen.
-Before and after touching the mouth, eyes, or nose.
-Before donning gloves and immediately after removing gloves.
-After contacting soiled or contaminated items.
-After picking up any item from the floor.
-After using the bathroom.
-After coughing, sneezing, or using a tissue.

Methods of Hand Cleansing
According to the CDC, there are two methods health care workers should use to cleanse their hands.
-The first method is hand washing. Hand washing involves using plain soap and water to cleanse the hands. Health care workers should wash their hands when they are visibly dirty or soiled.
-The second method is an alcohol-based handrub. An alcohol-based handrub involves using an alcohol-based lotion or gel to cleanse the hands. Alcohol-based handrubs should contain at least 60% alcohol, and be used when soap and water are not readily available at the point of care.

Procedure for Hand Cleansing
Individual agencies may have specific procedures that their employees must follow. The following process is an example of a hand cleansing procedure that might be found at any agency.
Hand Washing
1. Dispense a paper towel and use it to turn the faucet on
2. Do not touch the inside of the sink, as it is considered contaminated.
3. Test the temperature of the water with your hand. Allow the water to reach a warm temperature. Hot water damages the skin.
4. Dispose of the paper towel into a waste container.
5. Point your fingers downward and wet your hands and wrists.
6. Dispense liquid soap into your hands and work the soap into a lather.
7. Lather all surfaces of your wrists, hands, and fingers for at least 20 seconds. Rub firmly, as friction is needed to rub pathogens off the skin.
8. You may find it helpful to hum "Happy Birthday" twice in your head to be sure that you wash long enough.
9. Clean your fingernails with a nail brush or by rubbing fingertips against the palm of the opposite hand.
10. Rinse your hands and wrists while keeping your fingers pointed downward. Pointing them upward may contaminate your hands, wrists, or arms with dirty water.
11. Dispense a clean paper towel and use it to dry your hands and wrists. Dispose of the paper towel when it becomes wet. If needed, dispense another paper towel to finish drying. Dispose of the towel.
12. Dispense a clean paper towel and use it to turn off the faucet. Dispose of the paper towel.replay
Alcohol-based Handrub
Dispense the appropriate amount of alcohol-based liquid or gel into the palm of your hand. Check the manufacturer guidelines for the amount of liquid or gel to use.replay
Rub your hands together, covering all surfaces, until the liquid has dried.replay