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Tip of the week: Prevent spread of C. diff with handwashing

Infection Control Monitor, March 21, 2008

A new study, which shows C. diff often contaminates multiple skin sites of patients with C. diff-associated diseases, reinforces the importance of proper hand hygiene when working with these patients. Healthcare workers often use gloves when they need to touch a patient's abdomen or groin area but are less careful when touching other areas.


"Our data demonstrate that even incidental contact with patients' hands, forearms, or chest may lead to acquisition of C. difficile on healthcare workers' hands [and] demonstrate why it is critical for all healthcare workers to wear gloves and wash their hands after removing the gloves," says study author Curtis Donskey, MD, chief of IC at Louis Stokes Cleveland Veterans Affairs Medical Center.


To read more about the study, go to www.hcpro.com/content/206914.cfm. The cost is $10. Briefings on Infection Control subscribers received this story with their subscriptions.

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