Infection control — hand hygiene

CHAPTER 1 Infection control — hand hygiene



David Cartwright, Mark Davies



Hand washing


Hand washing remains the most effective method of preventing the spread of organisms from ourselves to babies, and hence between babies. Such organisms usually transfer from a baby to adult hands to another baby, and probably via nursery equipment.


• If you have any infected areas around your nails or fingers, you should not work with patients until they have cleared.

• Do not wear watches or jewelled rings while caring for babies. Plain rings only are acceptable. Jewelled rings have many crevices which cannot be cleaned effectively, and often have sharp edges which can scratch.

• Always wash hands and forearms (up to the elbows) before touching any patient for any reason. Wet hands and forearms first, then apply the antibacterial solution— this minimises skin reactions, and aids adequate spread and anti-bacterial activity.

We recommend the antibacterial solution Microshield T (containing triclosan); see note below. Chlorhexidinebased hand washes are also common.


• Antiseptic alcohol-based hand rub may be available for use at the bedside on occasion, for rapid entry only. It should not be used if you have just come from outside the nursery, nor if your hands have been soiled by any previous handling. If used, hands and forearms must be well covered, and it must then be allowed to dry before entering the cot.

Examples include Hexol with chlorhexidine and ethanol, or Microshield hand gel with ethanol and moisturisers.

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Jul 18, 2016 | Posted by in PEDIATRICS | Comments Off on Infection control — hand hygiene

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