Hand rubbing

File:Hand rubbing.webm Hand rubbing is a simple yet effective hygiene practice primarily used for hand hygiene purposes. It involves the physical action of rubbing the hands together, typically with an antiseptic solution, to reduce the presence of pathogens on the skin. This practice is crucial in preventing the spread of infectious diseases, particularly in healthcare settings, but also in everyday life.

Overview

Hand rubbing is recommended by health organizations worldwide as a key part of hand hygiene protocols. The process involves applying a small amount of an alcohol-based hand rub to the palm of one hand and then rubbing the hands together, covering all surfaces of the hands and fingers, until the hands are dry. The effectiveness of hand rubbing is contingent upon the use of a proper technique and the alcohol concentration of the hand rub, which should be at least 60% to be effective against most pathogens.

Benefits

The primary benefit of hand rubbing is the significant reduction in the presence of microorganisms on the hands. This reduction decreases the risk of disease transmission through direct contact or via fomites. Hand rubbing is particularly effective against many types of bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens. It is a quick, convenient, and efficient method of hand hygiene, especially in situations where soap and water are not readily available.

Guidelines

The World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have published guidelines on hand hygiene that include hand rubbing as a critical component. These guidelines outline the proper technique for hand rubbing, emphasizing the need to cover all parts of the hands and fingers. They also recommend hand rubbing in various scenarios, such as before and after touching a patient, before clean/aseptic procedures, after exposure to bodily fluids, and after touching patient surroundings in healthcare settings.

Technique

The recommended technique for hand rubbing includes the following steps: 1. Apply a palmful of the product in a cupped hand. 2. Rub hands palm to palm. 3. Right palm over left dorsum with interlaced fingers and vice versa. 4. Palm to palm with fingers interlaced. 5. Backs of fingers to opposing palms with fingers interlocked. 6. Rotational rubbing of left thumb clasped in right palm and vice versa. 7. Rotational rubbing, backwards and forwards with clasped fingers of right hand in left palm and vice versa. 8. Once dry, your hands are safe.

Comparison with Hand Washing

While hand rubbing with an alcohol-based solution is effective against many pathogens, hand washing with soap and water is more effective in certain situations, such as when hands are visibly dirty or greasy, or when dealing with certain types of germs like Clostridium difficile. Hand washing is also the preferred method for removing harmful chemicals and heavy metals from the skin.

Conclusion

Hand rubbing is a critical practice in maintaining hand hygiene, especially in healthcare settings. Its effectiveness, ease of use, and accessibility make it a preferred method for rapid hand disinfection. However, it is important to recognize situations where hand washing with soap and water is preferred and to use the correct technique for hand rubbing to ensure maximum efficacy.