Indication for hand hygiene | When | Transmission risk | Major targeted negative infectious outcome | Examples |
---|---|---|---|---|
Before an aseptic task | Directly before performing an aseptic task | Hand transmission of micro-organisms from any surface (including the patient skin) to a site that would facilitate invasion and infection | Endogenous or exogenous infection of the patient | Giving an injection. Insertion and care of intravenous catheters. Blood draws. Administering intravenous medication. Endotracheal suction |
From contaminated body site to another body site | Directly after completing task (whether gloved or ungloved) | Hand exposure to patient's contaminated body sites and fluids potentially containing blood-borne or other pathogens | Infection of the HCW by patient blood borne pathogens | Drawing blood and then adjusting the infusion drop count. Handle wound, mucous membrane, and body fluids. After oral care |
After touching the patient | Directly after leaving the patient when the patient was touched | Hand transmission of micro-organisms from the patient flora to other surfaces in the healthcare setting | Dissemination of patient flora to the rest of the healthcare environment and infection of other patients or HCWs | After skin contact with the patient. Bathing, change position or lifting a patient. Taking a pulse or blood pressure. Shaking hands |
After taking care of an infected/colonized patient | Directly after leaving the patient's room | Hand transmission of micro-organisms from the patient flora to other surfaces in the healthcare setting | Dissemination of patient flora to the rest of the healthcare environment and infection of other patients or HCWs | Contact with any patient know to be infectious/isolated (eg. MRSA) |
After use of gloves | Directly after removing gloves | Hand transmission of micro-organisms from the skin of the HCW 's to other surfaces in the healthcare setting | Dissemination of patient flora to the rest of the healthcare environment and infection of other patients or HCWs | Wearing gloves high-risk contacts |
After contact with patient surroundings | After completing the task and before contacting another patient | Hand transmission of micro-organisms from the patient flora to other surfaces in the healthcare setting | Dissemination of patient flora to the rest of the healthcare environment and infection of other patient or HCWs | Touching the patient's environment like bed, table, blanket, clothes. After contact with medical equipment in the immediate vicinity of the patient |