Lavado de Manos: A Comprehensive Guide According to the WHO
Hand hygiene is a fundamental aspect of infection prevention and control. The World Health Organization (WHO) provides comprehensive guidelines on hand hygiene, emphasizing the importance of proper handwashing techniques. In this article, we will delve into the details of lavado de manos, as recommended by the WHO, and explore its various dimensions.
Why is Hand Hygiene Important?
Hand hygiene is crucial in preventing the spread of infections, particularly in healthcare settings. According to the WHO, hand hygiene can reduce the incidence of healthcare-associated infections by up to 30%. This is because hands are a common source of pathogens that can cause infections, such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi.
Proper hand hygiene not only protects healthcare workers and patients but also reduces the burden on healthcare systems by preventing the transmission of infections. It is essential in various settings, including hospitals, clinics, schools, and homes.
The WHO’s Five Moments for Hand Hygiene
The WHO has identified five critical moments when hand hygiene should be performed to prevent the transmission of infections. These moments are:
| Before touching a patient | Before a clean or aseptic procedure | After body fluid exposure risk | After touching a patient | After touching patient surroundings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wash hands with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand rub | Wash hands with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand rub | Wash hands with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand rub | Wash hands with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand rub | Wash hands with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand rub |
These moments are designed to ensure that healthcare workers and others follow proper hand hygiene practices throughout their interactions with patients.
Techniques for Effective Hand Hygiene
Proper hand hygiene techniques are essential for effective infection prevention. The WHO recommends the following steps for handwashing with soap and water:
- Wet your hands with clean, running water (warm or cold) and apply enough soap to cover your hands.
- Rub your hands together to create a lather and scrub all surfaces of your hands, including the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails, for at least 20 seconds.
- Rinse your hands thoroughly under clean, running water.
- Dry your hands using a clean towel or air dryer.
For hand hygiene using an alcohol-based hand rub, follow these steps:
- Apply a sufficient amount of the hand rub to the palm of one hand.
- Rub your hands together until the alcohol has dried.
Hand Hygiene in Different Settings
Hand hygiene practices vary depending on the setting. Here are some key considerations for different environments:
Healthcare Settings
In healthcare settings, hand hygiene is critical to prevent the spread of infections among patients and healthcare workers. The WHO recommends the following:
- Ensure that alcohol-based hand rubs and soap and water are readily available in healthcare facilities.
- Train healthcare workers on proper hand hygiene techniques and the importance of hand hygiene.
- Monitor and evaluate hand hygiene practices to ensure compliance.
Schools
In schools, hand hygiene is essential to prevent the spread of infectious diseases among students and staff. The WHO suggests:
- Implement hand hygiene programs in schools, including the use of alcohol-based hand rubs and soap and water.
- Encourage students to wash their hands regularly, especially before meals and after using the bathroom.
- Train teachers and staff on proper hand hygiene techniques.
Home Settings
In homes, hand hygiene is important to prevent the spread of infections within the household. The WHO recommends:
- Encourage family members to wash their hands regularly, especially after using the bathroom, before preparing or eating food, and after coughing or sneezing.
