Washing your hands is the most important way to prevent the transmission of infections from patient to patient, from health care provider to patient, from patient to health care provider, or from one health care provider to another. Frequent handwashing removes germs that you may have picked up on your hands through various types of contact. Turn on the faucet Wet hands and lather well with approved soap Wash, using vigorous rotary motion and friction for at least 10 - 15 seconds Be sure to wash all parts of your hands, including palms, between fingers, backs of hands, and around your wrists and thumbs. Use the paper towel to turn off faucet. Whenever you think they may be contaminated After removing gloves.
Healthcare workers face the risk of acquiring infections from patients.
Other types of infections can also be transmitted to healthcare workers through contact with patients' blood or body fluids. Standard Precautions were developed to protect healthcare workers from the risk of occupational exposure to infectious organisms. Types of PPE include lataex, vinyl or synthetic gloves, masks and eye protection, moisture resistant or impervious gowns and other apparel as needed. It is not always known when patients are infected with bloodborne or other infectious agents. Therefore, use Standard Precautions each time you anticipate contact with blood or body fluids of every patient.