Handwashing Protocol
Handwashing Protocol - Related Videos
09:02
A Method to Test the Efficacy of Handwashing for the Removal of Emerging Infectious Pathogens
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Cited by 9 •
2017
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.
01:18
Handwashing I: Introduction and Types of Equipment
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2023
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.
01:19
Handwashing II: Pre-procedure and Initial Procedure Steps
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2023
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...
01:15
Handwashing III: During the Procedure and Post-Procedure Steps
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2023
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...
07:12
Neutrophil Isolation Protocol
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Cited by 173 •
2008
Neutrophils are among the first cells to arrive on the site of inflammatory immune response, and their functions and mechanisms have been studied extensively in vitro. We demonstrate a standard density gradient separation method to isolate human neutrophils from whole blood using commercially available separation media.
FAQs
Mechanical friction loosens soil, oils, microorganisms, and other contaminants from the skin rather than relying on soap alone. Rubbing the hands systematically helps distribute soap across surfaces that may otherwise be missed, while the subsequent flow of running water carries the loosened material away. This combined action makes technique important for reducing contamination during clinical care.
These locations can be overlooked when cleaning is limited to the palms. The backs of the hands, fingers, thumbs, and spaces beneath the nails are specifically included so friction and soap reach a broader range of potentially contaminated surfaces. Consistent coverage reduces the chance that microorganisms remain on neglected areas and transfer to patients, equipment, or other surfaces.
Soap contains surfactants that help lift oils and microorganisms from the skin. Rinsing then removes the loosened material from the hands rather than leaving it suspended on the skin. Because these stages work together, incomplete lathering or inadequate rinsing can reduce the contaminant-removal benefit of the overall protocol.
Hands can connect patients, healthcare workers, equipment, and surrounding surfaces within the care environment. Applying the protocol consistently reduces the contaminants carried along that pathway, limiting opportunities for transfer between these contacts. This supports infection prevention across routine diagnosis, treatment, and patient-care activities rather than protecting only the individual performing the procedure.
A complete sequence begins by wetting the hands, followed by thorough soap application and deliberate friction over the palms, backs, fingers, thumbs, and areas under the nails. The hands are then rinsed under running water and dried. Treating these actions as one continuous procedure helps ensure that both cleaning and contaminant removal are completed.
The protocol is relevant whenever hand contact could connect people, devices, or surfaces during care. Its value extends across diagnosis, treatment, and routine patient interaction because each activity can create opportunities for contaminant transfer. Consistent performance provides a practical infection-prevention measure that supports safer clinical workflows and helps reduce movement of potentially harmful microorganisms.