Hand Hygiene 5 Moments

19 items · Health · Easy difficulty · 5 min

Follow the WHO Five Moments with this quick hand hygiene checklist for healthcare staff.

• 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.

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