Infection Control Manual, Standard Precautions

Standard Precautions
	Introduction
	Transmission-Based Precautions
	Hand Hygiene
	Barrier Protection
	Sharps Disposal
	Patient Placement
	Patient Transport
	Food and Nutrition
	Lab Specimens
	Housekeeping
	Medical Waste
	Patient/Visitor Exposures
	Linen/Laundry Services
	Medical Emergencies

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Yale New Haven Hospital
QISS
GB 325
New Haven, CT
06504 USA

Dr. Jeff Topal
688-4634


Hand Hygiene Alcohol-Based Hand Rub (e.g., Purell^® )

Hand Hygiene is the single most effective means of preventing the spread of nosocomial infections among hospital patients and personnel. Hand Hygiene not only incorporates the traditional method of handwashing (i.e., the removal of microorganisms with soap and water), but also hand antisepsis which is the removal of or destruction of microorganisms using soap or an alcohol-based hand rub. The two methods of Hand Hygiene at Yale New Haven Hospital, an alcohol-based hand run and soap/water are delineated below.

Although used in Europe for many years, it is only recently that alcohol-based hand rubs are being utilized in healthcare setting in the United States. The advantages of using an alcohol-based hand rub include:

	Waterless; no need for a sink and paper towels.
	Fast-acting; decreases the amount of bacteria on one's hands 10,000 fold in 15 seconds. The killing action from an alcohol-based hand rub is twice as fast as compared to traditional handwashing.
	Proven to be gentler on one's hands than soap and water. Contains emollients (moisturizers) which help skin retain more of its innate water content that soap and water often strips away.

Last modified: October 2, 2002.