Surgical Handwashing: Step-by-Step Protocol for Infection Prevention

Surgical hand antisepsis is a standardized, multi-step process to reduce transient and resident flora on hands/forearms before sterile procedures.

Typical Protocol (WHO / AORN aligned)

1. Pre-wash: Remove jewelry; trim nails; wet hands/forearms.
2. Antiseptic application: Apply approved agent (chlorhexidine gluconate 2–4% or povidone-iodine).
3. Systematic scrubbing (2–6 minutes per agent guidelines):
   • Palm-to-palm
   • Backs of hands / interdigital
   • Fingernails / fingertips (against palm)
   • Thumbs (rotational)
   • Wrists and forearms (to 2 inches above elbow)
4. Rinse: Fingertips to elbows, avoid splashing.
5. Dry: Sterile towel, aseptic technique.
6. Don sterile gloves.

Key Principles

• Keep hands above elbows during rinse/dry.
• Do not touch non-sterile surfaces after scrub.
• Follow facility-specific agent and time requirements.

Consistent adherence reduces surgical site infections (SSIs) and protects patients.