General Nursing & Education
Foundational
11 steps
4 min read
Free guide
Hand Hygiene — WHO Five Moments
Procedure
- Moment 1: before touching a patient.
- Moment 2: before a clean or aseptic procedure.
- Moment 3: after body fluid exposure risk.
- Moment 4: after touching a patient.
- Moment 5: after touching patient surroundings.
- Wet hands and apply enough soap to cover all surfaces.
- Rub palm to palm, then right palm over left dorsum and vice versa.
- Interlace fingers palm to palm, then backs of fingers to opposing palms.
- Clasp each thumb rotationally, then rub fingertips in each palm.
- Rinse, dry with a single-use towel and use the towel to turn off the tap.
- Full technique takes 40–60 seconds with soap, or 20–30 with alcohol rub.
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