By Josfeena Bashir

Lecturer, BGSBU, Jammu

 During the 19th century, surgical hand
preparation consisted
of washing the hands with antimicrobial soap
and warm water, frequently with the use of a
brush.
 Hand washing is important in every setting,
including hospital. It is an effective infection
control measures, as it prevent spread of micro
organisms. For routine client care, the CDC
recommends a vigorous hand washing under a
stream of water for at least 10 seconds using
soap.
 To remove transient and resident bacteria from
fingers, hand and forearms.
 To prevent the risk of transmission of infection
to patients.
 To reduce the risk of transmission of infection
organisms to oneself.
 To prevent cross infection among clients.
 Soap in a soap dish
 Bacteriocidal or antimicrobial soap.
 Surgical scrub brush
 Running water
 Towel/ sterile towels
 Done mask, hair cover and booties, if required

 Perform 5 to 10 minute surgical scrub using

counted brush stroke method.

 Remove rings, chipped nail polish and watch.

 Wet hands and arm from elbows to
fingerprints under flowing water (use sink
with side or foot pedal).

 Place soap, preferably antimicrobial/

bacteriostatic, on hands and rub vigorously for
15 to 30 seconds; use scrub brush gently
 Using circular motion, scrub all skin areas,
joints, fingernails, between finger and so forth
(on all sides and 2 inches above elbows); slide
ring, if present, up and down while rubbing
fingers.

 Continue scrub for 5 to 10 min or per agency

policy.
 Rinse hands from fingers to elbow under flow
of water.

 Repeat soaping, rubbing and rinsing until

hands and arms are clean.

 Pat hands dry with sterile towel, moving from

fingers to wrist.