Thursday, August 19, 2010

HANDWASHING

Handwashing - single most important procedure for preventing the spread of biological contamination
- one of the most effective way to protect yourself, your patient, and your colleagues from cross infection
- prevents possibility of contamination

When should we wash our hands?
- before eating or handling food
- after using the toilet
- when hands are contaminated by secretions
- after touching public installations or equipments
- after changing diapers or handling soiled articles of young children or the sick
- before touching the eyes , nose and mouth
- after coming in contact with blood or other body fluids

Equipments or Materials Needed:
- faucet/ sink
- soap
- clean towel/ tissue paper

Procedure/ Rationale:
1. Remove all jewelries / Jewelries harbor microorganisms
2. Avoid touching the sink / consider the sink, including the faucet control contaminated
3. Turn the water on
4. Wet your hands and wrists in running water
5. Apply soap into the hands and lather / To remove dirt and organic materials that harbor microorganisms
6. Rub hands for 15 to 20 seconds using firm rubbing and circular movements on all surface of the hands
- palm to palm
- right hand over back of left hand with fingers interfaced
- palm to palm with fingers interfaced
- clasped hands with back of fingers against opposing palms
- rotate right hand around left thumb, then change hands and repeat
- rub fingertips to clean center of palm
- rinse hands thoroughly under a stream of water/ Running water carries away dirt and debris
- dry hands completely with a clean dry towel or tissue paper / To prevent chapping and facilitates donning of gloves
- use a dry paper towel to turn faucet off/ To prevent contamination with the faucet

UPDATE:
I don't actually earn here so if you would like to help feel free to do so. Send it through Metrobank S/A # 2348004756. My account name is Celso Balonzo. From the Philippines Mabuhay and may God bless you always!