Key Takeaways: Revised Guideline for Hand Hygiene

Revised Guideline for Hand Hygiene 

New Recommendations:

Actions should be taken to prevent waterborne pathogen dispersion during use of hand hygiene and surgical scrub sinks.  

NEW:
Dispersal of water and potential waterborne pathogens may be minimized by:

• Installing sinks with basins deep enough to minimize splashing
• Minimizing surface area in contact with water
• Providing adequate space between sinks and patients, sterile items, and medication preparation
• Installing splash guards where appropriate
• Locating faucets so that they do not discharge directly above the drain
• Adjusting water pressure to reduce forceful discharge into the sink at maximum flow
• Implementing routine cleaning of sinks and surrounding areas.

Explanation

Sinks, faucets, and drains are common sources of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and other gram-negative bacteria. Forming or utilizing an existing water management team to develop a plan for reducing bacterial contamination of sinks, faucets, and drains is key to preventing pathogen transmission. 

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