Handwashing Technique

Handwashing is widely recommended to prevent infectious disease transmission. However, there is little evidence on which handwashing methods are most efficacious at removing infectious disease pathogens. We developed a method to assess the efficacy of handwashing methods at removing microorganisms.

Handwashing is hand hygiene with plain or antimicrobial soap and water to physically remove dirt, organic material, and microorganisms. However, it may not kill all microorganisms. The handwashing procedure requires a hand wash basin, liquid soap, paper towels, a domestic waste bin, and disposable nail cleaner as optional equipment. Hand wash basins in clinical areas should have faucets that can be turned on and off without using the hands; that is, they should be non-touch or lever-operated.

The pre-procedure steps of handwashing include removing jewelry and rolling up sleeves. However, many organizations allow staff to wear wedding rings. The hand washing procedure itself includes the following steps. First, cover cuts, if any, on hands with a waterproof dressing. Cuts and abrasions can become contaminated with bacteria hindering the ability to clean the area thoroughly. In addition, repeated hand washing can worsen an injury. The nails must be short and clean, without nail paint...

To wash hands properly, follow these steps: Wet the hands. Use enough soap to cover all surfaces of the hands. Rub both hands palm to palm. Rub the back of the hand: Use the right palm over the left dorsum or back of the left hand with interlaced fingers, then switch hands. Rub palm to palm with fingers interlaced. With fingers interlocked, rub the backs of the fingers of the opposite hands. Rub the left thumb clasped in the right palm in a circular motion and repeat with the other...

Measurement Accuracy The ability to repeat an experiment and get the same results, or reproducibility, is essential in scientific research. However, it’s impossible to repeat an experiment if you don’t know how you did it. Thus, scientists keep detailed records of their experiments in lab notebooks. These records include important information like the amount of each material used and descriptions of each step of the procedure. Equipment, like balances and volumetric or graduated glassware, is...