Handwashing

- is the vigorous, brief rubbing together of all surfaces of the hands lathered in soap followed by rinsing under a stream of water.



Purpose:

1. To remove soil and transient organisms from the hands.
2. To reduce total microbial counts over time.
3. To prevent pathogenic micro-organisms from spreading patient to patient.
4. To protect the healthcare provider.

Handwashing Should be done in all of the ff:

1. At the beginning of every work shift.
2. Before and after client contact.
3. Before and after the performance of invasive procedure.
4. Before and after handling dressing or touching open wounds.
5. After contact with body substances even when gloves are worn.
6. After handling contaminated equipment.
7. At the end of every shift before leaving the health facility.

CONSIDERATIONS:

• Provide a wide base of support and move closer to the sink during the activity but making sure your clothes doesn't touch the sin.
• Friction, running water and a cleansing agent are necessary to remove micro-organisms or other material that may present on the hands.
• Assemble all articles needed near the sink.
• Use lotion if needed for dry skin although it is not recommended because it is excellent medium for bacterial growth.