Hand Hygiene
The two leading sets of guidelines on hand hygiene in healthcare settings are published by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). These guidelines have been prepared to improve patient health and safety through correct, evidence-based hand hygiene. Each guideline is a compendium of critical knowledge, data and know-how on hand hygiene in the medical field.
If hands are not visibly soiled, hand disinfection is recommended for routine hand antisepsis in healthcare settings. When handrub is not available or hands are visibly soiled, wash hands with soap and water.
Hygienic hand antisepsis consists of hygienic hand wash and hygienic handrub, and the objective is to reduce the transient microbial flora, while surgical hand antisepsis is to eliminate transient flora and reduce resident skin flora before surgical operations.
Wet hands with water and apply a sufficient amount of soap necessary to cover all surfaces. Rinse hands with water and dry thoroughly with a clean single-use towel. It requires 40 to 60 seconds to achieve effective hand washing.
Apply adequate amount of alcohol based handrub and cover all surfaces of the hands. It requires 20 to 30 seconds to achieve effective hand disinfection.
For appropriate timing of hand hygiene, the concept of 'My 5 Moments' can be utilized. Find more about My 5 Moments.
Each year, the SAVE LIVES: Clean Your Hands campaign calls for action to support of hand hygiene improvement globally. SARAYA actively participates in this event each year, and we ask you to do so with us.
Education & Promotion for Healthcare Hygiene
To reduce medical adverse events, the WHO launched the Global Patient Safety Program in 2004. As part of its first challenge to improve patient safety worldwide, the WHO started engaging in the "Clean Care is Safer Care" program to promote hand hygiene since 2005.
SARAYA supports the WHO action for the promotion of Patient Safety all over the world as a member of Private Organisations for Patient Safety (POPS) which is a collaboration association between the World Health Organization Patient Safety Programme and industries.
Download our full collection of useful tools for improving infection prevention and control in your facilities.