Hand Hygiene and Aseptic Technique:

Hand Hygiene is the number one way of preventing the transmission of organisms and hospital-
4
acquired infections. Correct aseptic technique is integral to this process

 In Australia, healthcare-associated infections (HAI) over half of which are preventable 1

are the most common complication affecting patients in hospitals.
 Hand Hygiene is aimed at stopping the transmission of infections. An infection requires
three elements- a pathogen, a susceptible host, and a mode of transmission (direct,
indirect, airborne, droplet)
 Pathogen – any virus, microorganism, or other substance causing disease

 TIP: Use detergent based wipes for cleansing of phones, stethoscopes and equipment.

The underlying principle is: All blood and body substances are potentially infectious.

Standard precautions include:

 Hand hygiene – before and after every episode of patient contact

 Respiratory hygiene and cough etiquette
 Use of appropriate personal protective equipment to provide a barrier to blood, body fluids, non-intact skin, or mucous
membranes (gloves, goggles, aprons, masks)
 Aseptic non-touch technique
 Immunisation of healthcare workers
 Management of sharps, blood spills, linen and waste to maintain a safe environment
 Routine environmental cleaning
 Hand hygiene includes:

Hand Hygiene includes:

 Applying an alcohol-based handrub to the surface of the hands (including liquids, gels and foams)

OR

 Washing hands with the use of water and soap or a soap solution, either non-antimicrobial or antimicrobial

Alcohol-based handrubs should be used (when hands are visibly clean) instead of
handwashing because they:

 Substantially reduce bacterial count on hands

 Require less time than handwashing

 Are more accessible

 Are self drying

 Are gentler on skin and cause less skin irritation and dryness than frequent soap and water
washes, since all handrubs contain skin emollient (moisturisers)

5 moments for hand hygiene - Clean your hands:

1. Before you touch your client/patient/resident
 For example before you assist a patient to move, before giving oral medications

2. Immediately before a procedure

 For example prior to donning gloves before a
procedure where there is a high risk for
microorganism transmission e.g. to provide
dental care, emptying a catheter

3. Immediately after a procedure or body fluid

exposure
 For example after attending a dressing in clients
home, pack up all clinical waste & clean hands
before touching anything else

4. After touching a client/patient/resident

 For example after touching a client and before
touching any of your own equipment that you
have brought to them

5. After touching the client's/patient's/resident's

surroundings
 For example after leaving the client's house, after
wiping down the treatment chair