Hand and skin disinfection in the operating room: recommended protocol and disinfectant products

In any surgical intervention, preventing infections is essential. The rigorous disinfection of medical staff's hands and the correct preparation of the patient's skin play a central role in controlling nosocomial infections. This article presents, step-by-step, the recommended protocol for hand and skin hygiene in the operating room, using specialized products from the Klintensiv portfolio.

Surgical hand disinfection by rubbing

Hygienic washing (mechanical cleaning)

• Remove rings, watches, bracelets, and other accessories.
• False nails or nail polish are not allowed.
• Moisten hands and forearms with potable water.
• Apply 3 ml of Klinsafe liquid soap (1 pump).
• Rub vigorously for 30 seconds, covering all areas (palms, back of the hand, interdigital spaces, nails, forearms).
• Rinse thoroughly with water.
• Dry completely with disposable paper towels.

Surgical disinfection

• Apply 3 ml of product (Alchosept / Klintensiv disinfecting gel).
• Rub hands and forearms for 90 seconds, keeping the skin moist throughout the application.
• Pay special attention to critical areas (interdigital spaces, thumb, fingertips, and nails).
• Do not rinse or wipe!
• Let it dry completely by evaporation before putting on surgical gloves.

Surgical hand disinfection by washing

Preparation

• Remove rings, watches, bracelets, and other accessories.
• False nails or nail polish are not allowed.
• Moisten hands and forearms with potable water.

First application

• Apply 2 ml of product (CHDG Soap or PVP Iodine Soap).
• Rub hands and forearms for complete foaming.
• Massage for 1 minute.
• Rinse for 10 seconds with sterile water.

Second application

• Apply another 2 ml of product.
• Repeat rubbing/foaming for another 1 minute.
• Rinse again for 10 seconds with sterile water.

Drying

Dry hands with clean, disposable paper towels.

Note:
A total of 4 ml of product is used for a contact time of 2 minutes. Rinse twice for 10 seconds each time with sterile water.

Skin disinfection and decolonization

Preparation of the patient's surgical site

• Ensure the skin is clean and intact.
• Remove hair if necessary (trichotomy).
• Check that the skin shows no lesions or irritation.

Applying the disinfectant

• Soak a sterile pad or sterile gauze forceps in the disinfectant solution (Betaklin).
• Rub the surgical site firmly with circular motions, from the center to the periphery.
• Ensure complete coverage of the area, including skin folds.

Action time

• Allow the skin to remain moist for 5 minutes.
• Do not wipe or rinse the area.

Finalizing preparation

• After 5 minutes have passed, the skin is ready for the surgery.
• You can apply sterile drapes and begin the surgery.

Note:
Follow the instructions of the product used (action time, quantity applied, etc.). If skin reactions occur, discontinue the procedure.

Strict adherence to hand and skin disinfection steps is essential for patient safety. Using appropriate products in combination with correct techniques ensures an effective barrier against microbial contamination. By rigorously applying these protocols, medical staff contribute directly to reducing infectious risks and increasing the quality of medical care. In such a safe and controlled environment, trust in the medical system is naturally strengthened, and the healing process becomes complete, supported by professionalism, attention, and respect.

Bibliography

www.who.int

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