Wash Up!

Advocacy, Chronic Condition, Hemophilia, Infusion, IVIG/SCIG, Patient Need-To-Knows, Pediatrics, Specialty Pharmacy, Therapy, Uncategorized

Hand hygiene is key to avoiding infection during self-infusion.

Handwashing is one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of germs. Learn the importance of washing your hands before and after self-infusion to avoid illness and infection.

When to Wash

Whenever hands are visibly dirty.
Before, during, and after touching food.
Before and after treating a wound.
Before and after preparing food.
After touching garbage.

Handwashing Hints

Use soap and warm running water if your hands are visibly soiled.
Wet hands with warm water and work soap into a lather.
Rub hands vigorously for 15 seconds (make sure to scrub wrists and between fingers!)
Rinse hands and pat dry with a clean towel.
Turn off faucet with towel.

Don’t Forget Sanitizers

Use a hand sanitizer for routine hand cleaning only if your hands aren’t visibly dirty.
Apply hand-sanitizing foam or gel to the palm of your hand.
Rub hands together until they’re dry.
It takes 15 seconds for your hands to dry after applying sanitizer. If they’re dry before 15 seconds, you didn’t apply enough.