Authors

Cristina Abelairas Cadahía, Natalia Dopico López

Position

Diplomadas en Enfermería. Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos Pediátricos del Hospital Juan Canalejo de A Coruña.

Contact address

Avda. Gral. Sanjurjo, 207-209, 3ºD. 15006 A Coruña.

Contact email: cabelairasc@yahoo.es

Abstract

Following the guidelines issued by the Department of Preventive Medicine, the Infectious Diseases Commission and the Work Related Health Service in our hospital, and taking as main reference the recommendations issued by the Centers for Disease Control in the United States (CDC), we present a detailed review of the material, techniques, indications and other relevant aspects to be taken into account when performing the handwashing procedure.
This work is intended as a revision and update on handwashing (either hygienic or surgical) in an intensive care paediatric unit. It focuses mainly on the variations with respect to classical theoretical concepts and innovations derived from the latest research (as could be the enhanced used of alcohol-based decontaminants and hence reduced classical handwashing indications and alternatives to the use of gloves).

Keywords:

handwashing; infections; decontamination; antiseptics; intensive care; CDC; nosocomial infections; recommendations; scientific evidencepreventive medicine

Versión en Español

Título:

Lavado de manos: revisión y actualización