Aseptic Handwashing: A Comprehensive Guide for Healthcare Professionals

According to Healthline, aseptic handwashing is done "under carefully controlled conditions with the goal of minimizing contamination by pathogens (germs)." It is essential in hospitals and other institutions involving health care. Situations that call for extensive aseptic handwashing include when caring for burn victims and those in surgery. According to Nursing Times, thousands of patients die unnecessarily from hospital-acquired infections. A technique using three handwashings is recommended.

Things You'll Need

• Antimicrobial surgical hand scrub
• Cool to lukewarm water
• Disposable or sterile towel

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Instructions

• 1

  Remove all rings and other objects on the hands such as bracelets, and wet hands with cool to lukewarm water.

• 2

  Put 3 to 5 milliliters of antimicrobial surgical hand scrub into a cupped hand.

• 3

  Wash the cupped hand and pay particular attention to the wrist, knuckles and around the fingernails.

• 4

  Repeat steps 1 through 3 for the other hand before rinsing hands with cold water, letting water drain in the direction of the elbow.

• 5

  Repeat steps 1 to 4 two more times before drying hands with a disposable or sterile towel.