Hand Hygiene 5 Moments

Ensure hand hygiene supplies are available at point of care

Keep soap, alcohol sanitizer, and single-use towels within reach where care is given.

Inspect hands and forearms for visible soiling or skin damage

If hands are visibly dirty, wet, or have open cuts, use soap and water rather than sanitizer.

Keep nails short and avoid artificial nails or chipped polish

Short, natural nails reduce places for germs to hide.

Remove rings, bracelets, and watches before patient contact

Jewelry can trap moisture and microbes and impede proper cleaning.

Perform hand hygiene before touching a patient

Perform hand hygiene before any aseptic procedure

Clean hands before tasks that require sterility or clean technique.

Wash hands with soap and water after exposure to body fluids

Use soap and water when hands are wet with blood, body fluids, or after glove removal with obvious contamination.

Perform hand hygiene after touching a patient

Perform hand hygiene after touching patient surroundings or equipment

Even brief contact with bedside surfaces can transfer organisms.

Perform hand hygiene before donning and after removing gloves

Clean hands before gloves and immediately after glove removal to avoid contamination.

Use alcohol-based handrub when hands are not visibly soiled

Choose sanitizer for routine moments unless hands are visibly dirty or after body-fluid exposure.

Follow alcohol-based handrub technique

Apply a palmful of sanitizer to cover all hand surfaces

Use the amount recommended on the product label to ensure full coverage.

Rub palms, backs, between fingers, and thumbs for about 20 seconds

Move deliberately to cover every surface, including between fingers.

Rub fingertips and wrists until hands feel dry

Finish by rubbing fingertips and thumbs; allow sanitizer to dry naturally.

Use soap and water when hands are visibly soiled or after body-fluid exposure

Soap and water remove dirt and organic material more effectively than sanitizer.

Wet hands, apply soap, and lather all surfaces for at least 20 seconds

Include palms, backs, between fingers, and under nails while lathering.

Rinse hands well and dry with a single-use towel

Thorough rinsing removes loosened soil; use a disposable towel to dry.

Use the towel to turn off the faucet and to open doors when possible

Avoid recontaminating hands by touching surfaces directly after drying.