Hand Washing - Podcast Version 0:00 / 0:00 1x 0.25x 0.5x 0.75x 1x 1.25x 1.5x 1.75x 2x Hand hygiene is one of the most important elements of infection control. The aim of hand washing is to remove transient micro-organisms, acquired through everyday tasks in the clinical setting, from the surface of the hands. Good hand hygiene protects both patients and staff. The WHO guidelines on “Hand Hygiene in Healthcare” describe five key situations where hand washing is required (the 5 moments for hand hygiene): Before touching a patient Before a clean or aseptic procedure After body fluid exposure risk After touching a patient After touching patient surroundings There are two main cleansing agents used in hand washing; alcohol-based formulations and soap & water*. For both agents however, the technique used to clean the hands is the same. To maintain optimum hand hygiene, it is recommended that nothing is worn below the elbows (except for a plain bands), and that the fingernails are clean and trimmed. *The use of soap & water is specifically indicated when the hands are visibly soiled or when they have come into contact with spore-forming pathogens, such as clostridium difficile Procedure Wet hands with water, and apply soap to cover hand surfaces Rub hands palm to palm Right palm over left dorsum with interlaced fingers and vice versa Palm to palm with fingers interlaced Backs of fingers to opposing palms with fingers interlaced Rotational rubbing of left thumb clasped in right palm and vice versa Rotational rubbing, backwards and forwards with clasped fingers of the right hand, and vice versa Rinse hands with water and dry with a single use towel Use the towel to turn off the tap (c) Adapted from the WHO "How to Handwash" poster.Figure 1Guide to handwashing, adapted from the WHO “How to Handwash” poster Key Points Effective handwashing is an essential part in everyday clinical practice 5 key situations have been identified where handwashing is required Following the WHO ‘How to Handwash’ guidance will protect both patients and staff Do you think you’re ready? Take the quiz below Pro Feature - Quiz Hand Washing Question 1 of 2 Submitting... Skip Next Rate question: You scored 0% Skipped: 0/2 Keep your streak going Unlock the full question bank You’ve made a great start. Continue with over 1,200 MRCS-style MCQs, two full mock papers, and ad-free revision with TeachMeSurgery Pro. Continue with Pro Frequent questions What is the primary purpose of hand washing in a clinical setting? Hand washing aims to eliminate transient micro-organisms from the hands, which are often acquired during routine clinical tasks. This practice is vital for safeguarding both patients and healthcare staff from infections. When should healthcare professionals perform hand hygiene? Healthcare professionals should wash their hands in five key situations: before touching a patient, before a clean or aseptic procedure, after exposure to body fluids, after touching a patient, and after contacting patient surroundings. These moments are crucial for preventing the spread of infections. What are the recommended cleansing agents for hand washing? The two main agents for hand washing are alcohol-based formulations and soap and water. Soap and water are specifically advised when hands are visibly dirty or contaminated with spore-forming pathogens like Clostridium difficile. What is the correct technique for effective hand washing? To wash hands effectively, wet them, apply soap, and follow a specific sequence of rubbing, including palm-to-palm and interlacing fingers. Finally, rinse and dry with a single-use towel, using it to turn off the tap. Why is it important to follow WHO guidelines on hand hygiene? Following the WHO guidelines ensures that healthcare professionals maintain effective hand hygiene, thereby protecting both patients and staff from infections. Adhering to these guidelines helps establish consistent and safe practices in clinical environments. Rate This Article