Key Takeaways

• Hand hygiene is the single most effective technique to reduce the transmission of infections and to prevent healthcare-associated infections.

• Use hand hygiene during the four moments of hand hygiene.

• Instruct and support clients and their visitors on the importance of hand hygiene and ways to incorporate hand hygiene routines into everyday practice.

• ABHR is the preferred method of hand hygiene when hands are not visibly soiled or contraindicated according to the client’s diagnosis (i.e., C. difficile, norovirus, or Bacillus anthracis).

• ABHR requires less time, is easy to use, and has high levels of availability at the point of care.

• ABHR should have 70–90% alcohol concentration in the healthcare setting. 

• When washing hands, lather and scrub with soap for a minimum of 20 seconds to remove transient flora and bacteria.

• Always use soap and water if hands are exposed to blood, body fluids or other body substances.