3-5.
PATIENT CARE HANDWASH
Since the hands and forearms actually enter the work area, they must be very
clean. All jewelry must be removed from the hands and forearms since these items
collect dirt and microorganisms. Using warm water and as surgical scrub, wash the
hands and forearms 3 to 4 minutes, paying particular attention to the fingernails and
folds in the skin where dirt, dead skin, and microorganisms may collect. The hands
should be dried with a lint free towel or a mechanical hot air dryer. Take care not to
recontaminate the hands. The hands should be washed between different type
products, and a complete washing of the hands and forearms should be done whenever
the sterile products area has been left and reentered.
Section III. LAMINAR AIRFLOW HOOD
3-6.
DESCRIPTION
Proper conditions for the preparation of sterile products can be provided by a
laminar airflow hood (LAFH) (figure 3-1). Laminar airflow provides a total sweep of an
area because the entire body of air moves with uniform speed along vertical or
horizontal lines, originating through filters. Therefore, the LAFH bathes the entire work
area with very clean air, sweeping away all possible contaminants.
Figure 3-1. Laminar airflow hood (LAFH).
MD0811
3-3