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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 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.
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...
Standard Precaution01:26

Standard Precaution

Standard precautions are the minimum infection control safeguards used while caring for all patients, irrespective of their disease condition. They help prevent the spread of common infectious microorganisms to healthcare workers, patients, and visitors in all healthcare settings.
Hand hygiene is the most crucial means to prevent the transmission of disease. Employers are legally required to provide their workers with personal protective equipment (PPE) to minimize exposure or contact with...
PPE Use in Healthcare Settings II: Doffing01:10

PPE Use in Healthcare Settings II: Doffing

The sequence of removing or doffing PPE starts with the gloves, as they are the most contaminated. Next is removal of the face shield or goggles, as they would interfere with removing other PPE. Then remove the gown, followed by the mask or respirator. Perform hand hygiene between steps if hands become contaminated and immediately after removing all PPE. Generally, the outside front and sleeves of the isolation gown, the goggles or the mask, the respirator, and the face shield are contaminated.

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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

Hand hygiene: more than just hands.

Guido R Zanni

    The Consultant Pharmacist : the Journal of the American Society of Consultant Pharmacists
    |September 4, 2008
    PubMed
    Summary

    Facility-acquired infections cause up to 90,000 deaths annually, with 70% being antibiotic-resistant. Improving hand hygiene through various interventions, including alcohol-based handrubs, is crucial to minimize infection spread.

    Area of Science:

    • Healthcare-associated infections
    • Infection control
    • Antibiotic resistance

    Background:

    • Facility-acquired infections lead to significant patient mortality.
    • A substantial percentage of these infections are antibiotic-resistant.
    • Hands are a primary vector for pathogen transmission in healthcare settings.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To highlight the critical issue of facility-acquired infections and antibiotic resistance.
    • To emphasize the importance of comprehensive hand hygiene practices.
    • To advocate for organizational strategies to improve hand hygiene compliance.

    Main Methods:

    • Review of data on facility-acquired infections and antibiotic resistance.
    • Analysis of common transmission routes, focusing on hand contamination.

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    Last Updated: Jul 2, 2026

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  • Identification of key factors influencing hand hygiene effectiveness.

    • Main Results:

    • Up to 90,000 patient deaths occur annually due to facility-acquired infections.
    • As many as 70% of these infections exhibit antibiotic resistance.
    • Effective hand hygiene involves multiple factors beyond washing duration, including disinfectant choice, nail/jewelry status, and attire.

    Conclusions:

    • Alcohol-based handrubs are a highly effective, low-cost intervention.
    • Comprehensive hand hygiene protocols are essential for infection control.
    • Organizational commitment to improving hand hygiene compliance is vital to reduce patient harm.