Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 2, 2026

A Method to Test the Efficacy of Handwashing for the Removal of Emerging Infectious Pathogens
09:02

A Method to Test the Efficacy of Handwashing for the Removal of Emerging Infectious Pathogens

Published on: June 7, 2017

Surgical hand antisepsis: the evidence

Judith Tanner1

  • 1De Montfort University and University Hospitals Leicester, Charles Frears Campus, 266 London Road, Leicester LE2 1RQ. jtanner@dmu.ac.uk

Journal of Perioperative Practice
|August 30, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Surgical hand antisepsis has been practiced for 150 years to reduce infections. This article reviews the scientific evidence behind current practices in surgical hand hygiene.

Area of Science:

  • Infection Control
  • Surgical Hygiene
  • Microbiology

Background:

  • Hand washing by surgical teams is a 150-year-old practice.
  • The primary goal is to remove microorganisms and prevent surgical site infections.
  • Evidence supporting various aspects of surgical hand antisepsis is discussed.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review and discuss the evidence base for surgical hand antisepsis.
  • To provide an overview of current practices and their scientific underpinnings.
  • To inform healthcare professionals on best practices for surgical hand hygiene.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on surgical hand antisepsis.
  • Analysis of evidence related to different antiseptic solutions and techniques.
  • Discussion of factors influencing the efficacy of hand hygiene.

Main Results:

  • The historical significance and evolution of surgical hand antisepsis are highlighted.
  • The effectiveness of various antiseptic agents and protocols is examined.
  • Key considerations for optimizing microbial removal and infection reduction are presented.

Conclusions:

  • Surgical hand antisepsis remains a critical component of infection control.
  • Evidence-based practices are essential for minimizing surgical site infections.
  • Continued research and adherence to guidelines are necessary for patient safety.

Related Concept Videos

Hand hygiene01:23

Hand hygiene

Asepsis is the practice of preventing or breaking the chain of infection. The nurse employs aseptic techniques to prevent the spread of microorganisms and reduce the risk of diseases. Hand hygiene is the cornerstone of aseptic techniques and is classified into medical and surgical asepsis. Medical asepsis includes hand hygiene and the use of gloves. Surgical asepsis, or the sterile technique, refers to practices that render and keep objects and areas free of microorganisms.
Hand washing...
Handwashing II: Pre-procedure and Initial Procedure Steps01:19

Handwashing II: Pre-procedure and Initial Procedure Steps

The pre-procedure steps of handwashing include removing jewelry and rolling up sleeves. However, many organizations allow staff to wear wedding rings.
The hand washing procedure itself includes the following steps. First, cover cuts, if any, on hands with a waterproof dressing. Cuts and abrasions can become contaminated with bacteria hindering the ability to clean the area thoroughly. In addition, repeated hand washing can worsen an injury.  The nails must be short and clean, without nail paint...
Handwashing III: During the Procedure and Post-Procedure Steps01:15

Handwashing III: During the Procedure and Post-Procedure Steps

To wash hands properly, follow these steps:
Handwashing I: Introduction and Types of Equipment01:18

Handwashing I: Introduction and Types of Equipment

Handwashing is hand hygiene with plain or antimicrobial soap and water to physically remove dirt, organic material, and microorganisms. However, it may not kill all microorganisms. The handwashing procedure requires a hand wash basin, liquid soap, paper towels, a domestic waste bin, and disposable nail cleaner as optional equipment.
Hand wash basins in clinical areas should have faucets that can be turned on and off without using the hands; that is, they should be non-touch or lever-operated.
Asepsis01:28

Asepsis

The condition of being free from disease-causing living pathogens is asepsis. Aseptic techniques include a set of standard practices to achieve asepsis. An example is the regular environmental cleaning of all parts of the healthcare facility and hand hygiene at home before preparing or eating food. Medical and surgical asepsis in healthcare practice protects patients from harmful pathogens, minimizes the risk of contamination of susceptible sites, and reduces the risk of infection transmission.
Healthcare Associated Infections II: Preventive Measures01:22

Healthcare Associated Infections II: Preventive Measures

Essential infection prevention measures are based on the knowledge of the infection chain, the modes of transmission in healthcare settings, and the use of the best practices in all healthcare settings. Compulsory public reporting of healthcare-associated infection rates is needed to allow individuals and the community to make informed choices regarding selecting a healthcare facility.
The best practices for preventing healthcare-associated infections include hand hygiene, patient risk...