Hand hygiene among laboratory workers

Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol. 2006 Sep;27(9):978-80. doi: 10.1086/506404. Epub 2006 Aug 22.

Abstract

We performed a study to measure the compliance of laboratory personnel with different components of hand hygiene. The level of compliance at the end of duty was 100%; however, 36.7% of subjects wore a ring, 46.9% wore a watch, and 6.1% wore a bracelet. Pathogenic microorganisms were exclusively found on hands of laboratory personnel who wore jewelry. After interventions, the level of compliance with the no-jewelry policy among laboratory personnel showed sustained improvement. Efforts to improve hand hygiene should be directed not only at healthcare workers but also at laboratory personnel.

MeSH terms

  • Female
  • Guideline Adherence*
  • Hand / microbiology*
  • Hand Disinfection*
  • Humans
  • Hygiene
  • Infection Control
  • Male
  • Medical Laboratory Personnel*