How to Surgical Antiseptic Hand Washing

Definition

Hand washing is the act of cleaning one’s hands with the use of any liquid with or without soap for the purpose of removing dirt or microorganisms. It is the most effective measure in reducing the risk of transmitting infectious diseases. It cannot be said too often that hand washing is the most important and most basic technique in preventing and controlling infections. It is the single most effective infection control measure.

Hand washing is under the umbrella of hand hygiene. Hand hygiene is defined by the World Health Organization as a general term that applies to hand washing, antiseptic hand wash, antiseptic hand rub or surgical hand antisepsis.

Terms

To understand this study guide better, familiarize yourself with the terms used:

• Hand Hygiene. It is a general term that applies to hand washing, antiseptic hand wash, antiseptic hand rub, or surgical hand antisepsis
• Hand Washing. It is defined as the washing of hands with plain (i.e., non-antimicrobial) soap and water.
• Antiseptic Hand wash. A term that applies to hand washing with an antimicrobial soap and water.
• Surgical Hand Antisepsis. Commonly called as a surgical hand scrub. This is to remove as many microorganisms from the hands as possible before the sterile procedure.

Goals

The purposes of hand hygiene are:

• Hand washing can prevent infection
• Avoid pathogenic microorganisms and to avoid transmitting them
 

 

Equipment

The following materials or equipment are needed to perform hand washing:

• Soap or detergent
• Warm running water
• Paper towels
• Optional: Antiseptic cleaner, fingernail brush, plastic cuticle stick

 

Nursing Action (Procedures)

Surgical Antiseptic

Surgical Antiseptik Hand Washing

Also known as sterile technique, prevents contamination of an open wound, serves to isolate the operative area from the unsterile environment, and maintains a sterile field for surgery.
1. Remove all pieces of jewelry.
2. Wet hands using sterile water with water closest to your body temperature.
3. Wash hands using antimicrobial soap and/or povidone-iodine.
4. Clean subungual areas with a nail file.
5. Scrub each side of each finger, between the fingers, and the backs and fronts of the hands for at least 4 minutes.
6. Proceed to scrub the hands, keeping the hand higher than the arm at all times to prevent bacteria-laden soap and water from contaminating the hands.
7. Rinse hands and arms by passing them through the flowing water in one direction only, from fingertips to elbow.
8. Proceed to the operating room holding hands above elbows.
9. Dry hands and arms using sterile towel observing aseptic technique.