Proper handwashing technique

• One of the methods of breaking the chain of infection is proper hand hygiene.
• The hand hygiene measures include hand washing and the use of alcohol-based antiseptic hand cleaners.
• Hand washing could be routine which uses plain soap and water.
• Hand antiseptics use antimicrobial soap to remove transient microorganisms, which is also the soap used when washing hands with the 2-minute surgical hand scrub before performing surgical procedures.
• The proper hand-washing technique cleans the hands and wrists. This procedure will also reduce the number of organisms present in the said areas of the body. It will decrease the chances of transferring organisms from a source to a susceptible host.
• Remove all rings, watches, and other jewelry or accessories.
• Stand a few inches from the sink.
• Turn on the faucet with the foot pedal or with a disposable towel if not foot-controlled.
• Wet hands under the running water. Be careful to not touch the sides of the sink.
• Apply soap, and lather well. The lather and scrubbing action will remove dirty and dead skin.
• Scrub for at least 15 seconds between fingers, knuckles, and around fingernails.
• Use a nail stick and a brush during the first-hand washing each day or when your hands become excessively soiled.
• Apply a little friction and rub hands together for at least 15 seconds.
• Rinse hands with water flowing downward from wrist to fingertips.
• Complete the washing process again if this is the first-hand washing of the day. (Repeat steps 6 and 7)
• Dry hands and wrists with disposable clean paper towels
• Turn off the water with the disposable towels if the sink is not foot-controlled.