Hand hygiene

Question 1

Social

Answer 1

to become physically clean from socially acquired micro-organisms using general purpose soap, should be carried out at the start and end of every session

Question 2

Clinical

Answer 2

to maintain cleanliness and avoid direct cross-infection using an approved antibacterial hand cleanser.

Question 3

Aseptic

Answer 3

to significantly reduce the number of micro-organisms normally resident on the hands before surgical procedure is carried out, using an approved antibacterial cleanser - this is extended to forearms and carried out for 2 mins

Question 4

procedure

Answer 4

1.Turn on the tap using an elbow
2.Wet both hands under the running water
3.Add a suitable and approved liquid soap, wash all areas of both hands + wrists which includes:
Rub palm to palm; the backs of both hands; rub with interlocked fingers both palm and back; cup each thumb with opposite hand and rotate and finally rub fingertips into open palms – this should take up to 20 seconds
4.Rinse both hands under the running water which may take up to 10 seconds
5.Dry the hands, using a single use disposable paper towel
6.Turn off the tap with an elbow + dispose of paper towel using a pedal foot bin.
Nail brushes are not advised unless they can be autoclaved, as they can harbour bacteria and become contaminated after repeated use.

Question 5

Hands should always be cleaned with liquid soap and water when:

Answer 5

they are visibly soiled
vomiting patient
direct contact with bodily fluids
outbreak of diarrhoea illnesses

Question 6

Zoning

Answer 6

Areas in the decontamination area + surgery should be designated as ‘clean and dirty’ so that dirty instruments are not placed where clean items should be