2. Introduction
Asepsis is the state of being free from
disease causing contaminants and
preventing contact with microorganisms.
3. Definition
Hand washing is the act of cleansing the
hands with water and soap for the purpose
of removing soil or microorganism(germs),
in order to prevent cross- contamination and
minimize nosocomial infections.
4. Purpose
To prevent cross infection in the hospital environment.
Removes dirt and soil from hand
Reduces risk of hand acting as carrier of disease.
Breaks the chain of infection spread.
Prevents nosocomial infection.
To control infection.
To ensure patient’s comfort, safety and psychological
well being.
5. Acc. To World Health Organization (WHO) there are ‘five moments’ for
washing hands:
1. Before patient care.
2. After environment contact.
3. After exposure to blood/body fluids.
4. Before doing any procedure.
5. After patient care.
8. Types of Hand Washing
1) Medical Hand washing
2) Surgical Hand washing
9. Equipment
1. Antimicrobial Soap ( liquid or bar)
2.Warm running water
3. Paper towels/ cloth towel (sterile)
4. Fingernail brush/ Nail cleaner
10. Before Washing The Hands;
Cut the nails
Avoid nail polish
Remove all the rings
Remove wrist watch
Remove bangles and threads
11. 1. Medical Hand washing
The procedure to decontaminate hands using soap and water involves
three stages
1. Preparation,
2. Washing
3. Rinsing and drying
And it should take about 40-60 seconds
12. Procedure
• Wet hands under tepid running water.
• Apply enough soap to cover all surfaces.
1. Rub hands palm to palm
13. 2. Rub back of each hand with palm of other hand with fingers
interlaced
15. 4. Rub with back of fingers to opposing palms
with fingers interlocked
16. 5. Rub each thumb clasped in opposite hand
using a rotational movement
17. 6. Rub tips of fingers in opposite palm in a circular motion
18. 7.Rub each wrist with opposite hand.
• Rinse hands thoroughly with running water.
• Use elbow to turn off tap.
• Dry thoroughly with single-use towel.
19. 2. Surgical Hand washing
Surgical hand washing requires the removal and killing of transient
micro-organisms and substantial reduction and suppuration of the
resident flora of the surgical team for the duration of the operation,
in case a surgical glove is punctured/torn, Ensure that fingernails
are kept short and clean.
20.
21. Reference
I Clement, Textbook of NURSING FOUNDATION, 2nd ed,
Jaypee Brothers Medical Publishers Ltd. 2017, Pg 388-93.
Celestina Francis – Kritika Misra , Fundamentals of Nursing for
BSc nursing students, 2nd ed, Lotus Publishers, 2019,
Pg 772-73
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