5 Moments of Hand Hygiene: A Detailed Guide
Hand hygiene is a critical aspect of preventing the spread of infections and maintaining good health. The World Health Organization (WHO) has outlined five key moments when hand hygiene should be practiced. Let’s delve into each of these moments in detail.
1. Before touching a patient
One of the most crucial moments for hand hygiene is before you touch a patient. This is because your hands can carry a variety of pathogens that can be transmitted to the patient. It’s essential to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub before any physical contact with the patient.
According to the WHO, the following steps should be followed:
- Wet your hands with clean, running water (warm or cold).
- Apply enough soap to cover all hand surfaces.
- Rub your hands together to produce a lather and scrub for at least 20 seconds.
- Pay special attention to the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails.
- Rinse your hands thoroughly under clean, running water.
- Dry your hands using a clean towel or air dryer.
2. Before a clean or aseptic procedure
Before performing any clean or aseptic procedure, it’s essential to wash your hands to reduce the risk of introducing pathogens into the patient’s body. This includes procedures such as inserting an intravenous catheter, dressing a wound, or inserting a urinary catheter.
Here’s how to ensure proper hand hygiene before a clean or aseptic procedure:
- Wash your hands as described in the previous section.
- Use a sterile towel or gloves to dry your hands if necessary.
- Wear gloves if the procedure requires it.
3. After body fluid exposure risk
Body fluid exposure can occur during various medical procedures, such as when drawing blood or handling wounds. In such cases, it’s crucial to wash your hands immediately to prevent the spread of infections.
Here’s how to perform hand hygiene after a body fluid exposure risk:
- Remove gloves immediately after exposure.
- Wash your hands with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub.
- If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.
4. After touching a patient
After touching a patient, it’s essential to wash your hands to remove any pathogens that may have been transferred during the interaction. This is particularly important if you have touched the patient’s skin, wounds, or bodily fluids.
Here’s how to perform hand hygiene after touching a patient:
- Wash your hands with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub.
- Focus on the areas of your hands that may have come into contact with the patient.
- Scrub for at least 20 seconds and rinse thoroughly.
5. After touching patient surroundings
Touching patient surroundings, such as bedrails, medical equipment, or doorknobs, can also expose you to pathogens. It’s essential to wash your hands after these interactions to prevent the spread of infections.
Here’s how to perform hand hygiene after touching patient surroundings:
- Wash your hands with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub.
- Focus on the areas of your hands that may have come into contact with the patient surroundings.
- Scrub for at least 20 seconds and rinse thoroughly.
By following these five moments of hand hygiene, you can significantly reduce the risk of infections and promote a healthier environment for both patients and healthcare workers.