6
Recommendations
Table 1. Recommendations to Prevent Healthcare-
Associated Infections through Hand Hygiene
Additional Approaches: may be considered for use in locations and/or
populations within hospitals during outbreaks or when HAIs are not controlled after
implementation of essential practices
1. Consider educating HCP using a structured approach (e.g., WHO Steps) for
handwashing or hand sanitizing. Evaluate HCP adherence to technique. (L)
2. For waterborne pathogens of premise plumbing, consider disinfection of sink
drains using an EPA-registered disinfectant with claims against biofilms. Consult
with state or local public health for assistance in determining appropriate protocols
for use and other actions needed to ensure safe supply. (L)
3. For Clostridioides difficile and norovirus, in addition to contact precautions,
encourage hand washing with soap and water after the care of patients with known
or suspected infections. (L)
Approaches that Should Not be Considered a Routine Part of Hand Hygiene
4. Do not supply individual pocket-sized ABHS dispensers in lieu of minimum
thresholds for accessible wall-mounted dispensers.
5. Do not refill or "top-off " soap dispensers, moisturizer dispensers, or ABHS
dispensers intended for single use.
6. Do not use antimicrobial soaps formulated with triclosan as an active ingredient.
7. Do not routinely double-glove except when specifically recommended for certain
job roles or in response to certain high-consequence pathogens.
8. Do not routinely disinfect gloves during care except when specifically
recommended in response to certain high-consequence pathogens.
9. Do not remove access to ABHS when responding to organisms that are anticipated
to be less susceptible to biocides (e.g., C. difficile or norovirus).
10. Do not attempt to remediate potential biofilms in sink drains with disinfectants
lacking EPA registration for this use.
Unresolved Issues
11. HCP use of alcohol-impregnated hand wipes is unresolved due to the lack of
noninferiority data.
(cont'd)
