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Friction is the key to handwashing

Lab Safety Advisor, January 16, 2007

According to Renee Patterson, CSP, who is an infection control consultant from Lansing, MI, how you wash your hands is as important as what you use for soap. For example, many healthcare facilities are replacing antimicrobial soaps because the frequent handwashing tends to dry out the skin making it more susceptible to bacteria. Patterson says it doesn't matter what type of soap is used; it is the friction you use during the washing that is important. "That's what removes the germs from your hands and washes them down the drain," she says.

You should wash your hands for at least 30 seconds with tepid water taking care to clean between the fingers and rinse with your hands pointing downward, according to Patterson.

Not sure how long 30 seconds is? A fun and easy-to-remember trick is to silently sing two verses of "Happy Birthday".

For more information, go to CDC Hand Hygiene in Healthcare Settings.

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