Hand Washing in Surgery

It is the procedure of reducing the greatest number of pathogenic microorganisms from the hands to the lower third of the arm, by means of mechanical movements and disinfection with chemical products before performing a surgical intervention. Surgical hand washing aims to eliminate as many pathogens as possible from hands and arms before entering the operating room to avoid cross-contamination. Surgical hand washing, unlike conventional hand washing, is performed with soap compositions containing povidone-iodine or chlorhexidine and is applied on hands exhaustively and forearms.

Why is it so important?

The primary goal of surgical hand washing is to achieve a high degree of asepsis at the time before and after surgery. With this technique it is possible to rigorously eliminate possible remains that may remain in the hands or arms and thus avoid the feared nosocomial infections in hospitals. Remember that the hands are one of the main transmitters of germs and, if good hygiene is not applied, we put at risk the health of patients and the health of the professionals themselves.

How do you do it?

- Hands must be completely clean (free of enamels and the presence of jewelry). - Moisten hands and forearms with warm water. - Clean the nails with the help of a spatula indicated for this purpose. - Apply the antiseptic on hands and forearms and rub in circular movements covering the spaces between the fingers. - The wash will always be from the hands to the forearms; never the other way around. The process should last 4 minutes. - Rinse arms separately. - Dry hands and arms with a sterile towel or with disposable paper. - After surgical hand washing, arms should remain above the waist, avoiding touching anything until gloves are put on. It is important that each time the tap is opened or closed, this action is performed with the elbow to avoid contaminating the hands and forearms.

Dr. Leopoldo Maizo - Orthopedic Surgeon