This date reminds us of the importance of proper hand hygiene in preventing various diseases. Simple hand washing can significantly reduce the risk of spreading many diseases, including infections.

Hand hygiene includes procedures aimed at removing contaminants, bacteria and microorganisms from the skin of the hands. This procedure is important not only in the healthcare sector but also in everyday life.

Hygienic handwashing with detergents is recommended when

when hands are visibly dirty;

when hands are contaminated with blood or other biological fluids;

after using the toilet;

before eating food;

after coming to work and completing a work shift;

when there is a high risk of contamination with spore-forming microorganisms (outbreaks of diseases caused by C. difficile) and noroviruses;

in all cases when hand hygiene is necessary, but hand sanitizer is not available.

Conditions that must be met for effective hand hygiene:

shortly trimmed nails (up to 0.5 cm);

no nail polish on the nails;

no rings, rings or other jewelry, watches, etc.

Hand hygiene should be observed in all of the above indications, regardless of whether gloves are used or not (if gloves are used, hand hygiene should be performed before putting them on and after taking them off).

Indications for hygienic hand treatment:

before contact with the patient;

before an aseptic procedure;

after a situation involving the risk of contact/exposure to biological fluids;

after contact with a patient;

after contact with objects of the internal environment of the healthcare facility,

that are in close proximity to the patient.