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Updated: Jun 12, 2026
09:02
A Method to Test the Efficacy of Handwashing for the Removal of Emerging Infectious Pathogens
Published on: June 7, 2017
Hand washing and surgical hand antisepsis
1Daisy Ayris House, 6 Grove Park Court, Harrogate, HG1 4DP. spirie2000@yahoo.co.uk
Journal of Perioperative Practice
|June 5, 2010
Summary
Effective hand hygiene is crucial for healthcare workers to prevent the spread of hospital-acquired infections. Consistent hand washing significantly reduces microorganism transmission and cross-infection rates in healthcare settings.
Area of Science:
- Infection Control
- Healthcare Epidemiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Hand hygiene is a cornerstone of perioperative practice, with historical roots tracing back to Semmelweis's mid-19th century observations.
- Recent evidence underscores the critical role of continuous, effective hand hygiene in mitigating healthcare-associated infections.
- The transmission of microorganisms in healthcare settings is a persistent challenge impacting patient safety.
Purpose of the Study:
- To emphasize the importance of hand hygiene in modern healthcare.
- To highlight the established link between hand hygiene and reduced infection rates.
- To underscore the significance of hand hygiene for healthcare workers.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of historical and recent studies on hand hygiene.
- Analysis of evidence demonstrating the impact of hand hygiene on microorganism transmission.
- Examination of data on cross-infection rates in relation to hygiene practices.
Main Results:
- Semmelweis's early work established a connection between hygiene and disease transmission.
- Effective hand hygiene demonstrably decreases the spread of microorganisms.
- Consistent application of hand hygiene protocols significantly lowers cross-infection rates.
Conclusions:
- Hand hygiene is a vital component of perioperative care and infection prevention strategies.
- Continuous and effective hand hygiene practices are essential for healthcare workers to reduce hospital-acquired infections.
- Implementing robust hand hygiene protocols is key to enhancing patient safety and reducing healthcare-associated disease transmission.
Related Concept Videos
01:23Hand 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...
Hand washing...
01:15Handwashing III: During the Procedure and Post-Procedure Steps
To wash hands properly, follow these steps:
01:19Handwashing 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...
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...
01:18Handwashing 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.
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.
01:28Asepsis
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.
01:26Standard 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...
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...