Southern Medical Patient Center - Hand Washing

Clean hands is one of the most important factors in IV therapy. Your hands carry germs which you cannot see with your eyes. If your hands look clean, they still need to be washed prior to any contact with your IV access, supplies, or equipment. Hand washing has been proven to reduce the risk of infection.

Things you will need:

1. antibacterial soap with pump dispenser
2. paper towels
3. clean sink area

No matter how good you wash your hands, they will never be sterile. The best you can do is to have clean hands. Even with clean hands there are sterile parts of your therapy that cannot be touched with your hands.

HOW TO WASH YOUR HANDS:

1. Clean your sink area if needed.
2. Gather your supplies.
3. Turn on the water and adjust the temperature for comfort. (warm water is ok do not attempt to get the water too hot)
4. Remove your rings, watches or bracelets.
5. Hold your hands down under the running water and let your hands and wrists get wet.
6. Apply liquid soap and lather well.
7. Rub your hands together to work up a good lather. Pay close attention to your nails and between fingers. Lather your hands for at least 1 minute.
(you might want to time yourself )
8. Hold your hands under the running water and rinse from your wrists down to your fingers.
9. Dry your hands with a clean paper towel.
10. Turn off the water with a clean paper towel.
( be careful not to touch the faucet with your clean hands.)

© 1999 Southern Medical Inc.