What are major considerations for hand hygiene?

The best approaches must be implemented in order to make this important infection control area as effective as  possible for protection of the HCW.

Multiple factors that must be evaluated include:

• Consider skin sensitivities and allergies of personnel when selecting products.
• Initial procedure at the beginning of the day should include a thorough hand wash.
• Use appropriate hand washing and rinsing techniques, with particular attention to thumbs and fingertips.
• Subsequent hand hygiene procedures should last approximately 20 seconds or the time recommended for the specific preparation.
• Alcohol-based hand rubs can be used as effective alternatives for hand washing on clean hands.
• Do not wear jewelry or long nails.
• Clean thoroughly under nails.
• When washing hands, rinse with cool or tepid water and dry completely before donning gloves.
• Keep epithelial integrity intact.