Scientists reveal best way to wash hands
A Scottish study which looked at how 42 doctors and 72 nurses sanitised their hands before and after dealing with patients have found the most effective technique is a six-step sanitisation process using an alcohol-based solution.
Health professionals who used the six-step technique reduced their median bacterial count from 3.28 to 2.58, compared to 2.88 of the three-step technique group. The process took 7.5 seconds longer than the latter group, clocking in at 42.5 seconds, but provided a more sanitary result.
Professor of infection prevention and control at Glasgow Caledonian University, Jacqui Reilly, said that prior this research, there had been “limited evidence” on which technique was best for healthcare workers and their patients. “This study provides a foundation for effective best practices to implement on the frontlines of healthcare.”
Image: NHS
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