When performing hand hygiene using the alcohol-based hand rub technique, a liquid, gel, or foam alcohol-based solution (e.g., ethanol, isopropanol, or combination) is used. The ABHR is the preferred method to use when your hands are not visibly soiled to reduce the number of most transient microorganisms on your hands, and is more effective than washing hands with soap and water (PIDAC, 2014). Show
Benefits of ABHR:
You should perform hand hygiene with an ABHR in front of the client prior to beginning and at the end of the examination. The ABHR should have 70–90% alcohol concentration (PIDAC, 2014). Alcohol-based hand rub (ABHR) is most effective when used correctly. The concentration should be 70-90%, the volume of the solution should cover all surfaces for your hands and wrists, and the solution should be rubbed into your hands for a minimum of 20 seconds and until your hands are dry. ABHR application should not take less than 20 seconds, be diluted with water, or be removed with a paper towel. Following these techniques increases the efficacy of ABHR. Hand Hygiene with ABHRStepsAdditional Information1. Inspect hands for cuts and open sores, and cuticles for tears.Open cuts, sores, and abrasions should be covered prior to starting work.Inspect for visible soiling. If present, you need to wash your hands with soap and water.Safety Considerations
Common Errors when Performing an ABHR
Common ErrorsExampleIt is important to wash your hands thoroughly before drying. The most commonly missed areas are circled in the photos which include: the base of your thumbs, fingertips, between your fingers, and the ulnar aspect of your hand.Culture and religion can influence hand hygiene practices. For example, in Sikh culture, hand hygiene is considered a holy act and an essential element in daily life. Some religions are prohibited against alcohol use, therefore ABHR may be of concern for some clients and healthcare providers. However, most religions do not object to the use of alcohol-based products for hand hygiene. It is important to reflect on your own cultural practices to learn how they may impact your hand hygiene practices. It is also important to discuss cultural aspects of hand hygiene with clients to increase your awareness of their needs and potential for health promotion and education. To learn more the handy hygiene practices amongst various cultures and religions, review WHO Guidelines on Hand Hygiene in Health Care on pages 78–85: https://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/handle/10665/44102/9789241597906_eng.pdf;jsessionid=504F854FDB4477FD7539AF737E99B315?sequence=1 Test Yourself!While watching the interactive video on ABHR, apply what you have learned by answering the questions throughout the video. Please note: there is no sound in this video. Assist clients to perform hand hygiene. Some clients may need help due to their health status, e.g., clients diagnosed with arthritis or dementia. You can help by pumping the ABHR gel into the client’s hands or washing the client’s hands with a face cloth that has soap and water on it. Encourage and assist clients to perform hand hygiene before and after entering their rooms, eating, and toileting. Test your KnowledgeAttribution This page was remixed with our own original content and adapted from: Clinical Procedures for Safer Patient Care — Thompson Rivers University Edition by Renée Anderson, Glynda Rees Doyle, and Jodie Anita McCutcheon is used under a CC BY 4.0 Licence. This book is an adaptation of Clinical Procedures of Safer Patient Care by Glynda Rees Doyle and Jodie Anita McCutcheon, which is under a CC BY 4.0 Licence. A full list of changes and additions made by Renée Anderson can be found in the About the Book section. Physical Examination Techniques: A Nurse’s Guide by Jennifer Lapum, Michelle Hughes, Oona St-Amant, Wendy Garcia, Margaret Verkuyl, Paul Petrie, Frances Dimaranan, Mahidhar Pemasani, and Nada Savicevic is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License, except where otherwise noted. When should you use alcoholUse Hand Sanitizer When You Can't Use Soap and Water
If soap and water are not readily available, you can use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
Which is correct about decontaminating your hands with an alcoholUnless hands are visibly soiled, an alcohol-based hand rub is preferred over soap and water in most clinical situations due to evidence of better compliance compared to soap and water. Hand rubs are generally less irritating to hands and, in the absence of a sink, are an effective method of cleaning hands.
When would you use alcoholToday's handrubs all contain skin softeners which help prevent drying. Of the published studies available, many describe that nurses who routinely use alcohol rubs have less skin irritation and dryness than those using soap and water. Alcohol handrubs will sting if the staff member has any cuts or broken skin.
When should you decontaminate your hands with an alcohol hand rub Please choose all that apply?Unless hands are visibly soiled (e.g., dirt, blood, body fluids), an alcohol-based hand rub is preferred over soap and water in most clinical situations because it: Is more effective than soap at killing potentially deadly germs on hands.
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