All bracelets, rings, watches, etc need to be removed in advance.
Fingernails:
(1) Natural fingernails should be trimmed close.
(2) Artificial nails are not permitted.
(3) Debris under the nails is removed using a nail cleaner under running water.
Hand antisepsis may be done with either an antimicrobial soap or an alcohol-based hand rub with persistent activity. Washing stations should have hands-free water control (foot pedal, knee control, infrared switch).
Antimicrobial soap:
(1) Scrub the hands and forearms with soap and a soft brush.
(2) The scrub should last from 2 to 6 minutes.
(3) The hands and forearms are then rinsed in running water.
(4) The hands and forearms are dried with a sterile towel.
Alcohol-based surgical hand scrub procedure:
(1) Prewash the hands and forearms with a nonantimicrobial soap, using a soft brush.
(2) Completely dry the arms and hands.
(3) Apply the alcohol-based product according to the manufacturer's recommendations.
(4) Allow the hands and arms to dry thoroughly prior to donning surgical gloves.
Once hand antisepsis has been completed the cleaned areas should not touch a nonsterile surface. If the skin does touch a nonsterile surface then re-cleaning is necessary.
