Hand Hygiene Rules
Alcohol-based hand rub is the preferred method when hands are not visibly soiled; wash with soap and water when hands are visibly soiled or after possible contact with spores.
When to perform hand hygiene
- Before direct contact with a patient.
- After contact with blood, body fluids, excretions, mucous membranes, non-intact skin or wound dressings.
- After contact with a patient's intact skin (for example, after taking a pulse or blood pressure).
- When moving from a contaminated body site to a clean body site during care.
- After touching objects or equipment near the patient.
- After removing gloves.
- When arriving at and leaving a patient care unit.
Preview only. The full sheet also covers: Which method; Handwashing steps (WHO); Other rules.
Sources
- Siegel JD, et al. 2007 Guideline for Isolation Precautions: Preventing Transmission of Infectious Agents in Healthcare Settings (CDC/HICPAC). Am J Infect Control. 2007;35(10 Suppl 2):S65-164 · CDC/HICPAC via PubMed Central
- How to Handwash? (poster, May 2009) · World Health Organization
- How to Handrub? (poster) · World Health Organization
- Clinical Nursing Skills, 6.2 Asepsis and PPE (fact check only) · OpenStax (Rice University)
- Safely Using Hand Sanitizer (consumer update) · U.S. Food and Drug Administration
- 29 CFR 1910.1030 Bloodborne Pathogens · Occupational Safety and Health Administration
- Germs and Hygiene · MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine