What are indications for hand hygiene?
Hand hygiene substantially reduces potential pathogens on the hands and is considered a primary measure for reducing the risk of transmitting organisms to patients and health care personnel (HCP). Hospital-based studies have shown that noncompliance with hand hygiene practices is associated with health care-associated infections, the spread of multi-resistant organisms, and has been a major contributor to outbreaks. Studies also have shown that the prevalence of health care-associated infections decreased as hand hygiene measures improved. Indications for hand hygiene include the following: • Before and after treating each patient (e.g., before glove placement and after glove removal). • After barehanded touching of inanimate objects likely to be contaminated by blood, saliva, or respiratory secretions. • Before leaving the dental operatory. • When hands are visibly soiled. • Before regloving, after removing gloves that are torn, cut, or punctured. For oral surgical procedures, perform
