Table 3. Recommended Practices for Hand Hygiene in the
Perioperative Setting
Preoperative Hand Preparation Steps
Traditional
Surgical
Scrub
Surgical
Alcohol-
based Hand
Rub
Remove all jewelry from hands and wrists. Don
surgical mask.
X X
Wash hands using either nonantimicrobial or
antimicrobial soap to ensure that they are clean at the
beginning of the day. Repeat soap-and-water hand wash
anytime hands are visibly soiled.
X X
Use a nail pick or brush with running water at the
beginning of the day to remove debris from under the
nails.
X X
Ensure that hands are dry aer hand wash. X
Apply alcohol product to hands according to
manufacturer's instructions: usually 2 or 3 applications
of 2 mL each.
X
Rub hands to dry completely before donning sterile
surgical gloves. Do not wipe off the product with
sterile towels.
X
Aer initial wash, wet hands and forearms under
running water and apply the antimicrobial agent to wet
hands and forearms using a so, nonabrasive sponge
according to the manufacturer's directions. In general,
the time required will be 3-5 minutes.
X
Visualize each finger, hand, and arm as having 4 sides.
Wash all 4 sides effectively, keeping the hand elevated.
Repeat the process for the opposite arm.
X
Rinse hands and arms under running water in one
direction from fingertips to elbows.
X
Hold hands higher than elbows and away from
surgical attire.
X X
In the OR, dry hands and arms with a sterile towel. X
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