Hand Hygiene Supplies for Treatment Rooms
Alcohol Handrub (AHR)
Alcohol-based hand rub is an important product for routine clinical hand hygiene. CDC guidance recommends it over soap and water in most clinical situations when hands are not visibly dirty. Soap and water are still required when hands are visibly dirty and in other circumstances as determined by infection prevention guidance.
Select a product approved for use in healthcare by your facility. Check the formulation, instructions (labelled), expiry date and dispenser compatibility.
Gel, foam and liquid forms may need different dispensing systems. Verify that the refill is compatible with the exact dispenser model in your clinic prior to placing a bulk order.
Provide hand rub at the point of care, with placement approved by the facility’s infection prevention and safety arrangements.
Soap, water, running, hand, liquid
Hand rub does not substitute for proper handwashing facilities. Under your clinic’s protocols, your treatment room setup should have access to running water and the liquid soap of your choice.
- The purchasing list should specify:
- Approved soap composition.
- Refill reference and dispenser model
- Number of cartons and refill volume.
- Storage and stability
Not every treatment room requires an antimicrobial soap. Clinical needs and facility policy should drive the selection of product.
Don't add new soap to a dispenser which is half empty. The CDC guidance links this practice to bacterial contamination, and advises against it. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for cleaning, replacement and refilling.
Hand Towels (Disposable)
A handwashing station requires a reliable hand-drying method. Disposable hand towels and a hand towel dispenser suitable for; CDC handwashing guidance calls for drying with disposable paper towels.
Before ordering check the size of the towel and type of fold. A carton that appears to fit may not fit the dispenser already in place.
Keeps towels from getting wet and contaminated. Assign someone to check the dispenser so staff don’t find it empty when they are with patients
Dependable Soap and Sanitiser Dispensers
The dispenser is integrated into the supply system, not just a fixture on the wall. Leaky pumps, incompatibilities with cartridges and depleted batteries can make available stock difficult to use.
- Things to consider when choosing a hand sanitiser dispenser:
- Compatible with approved products.
- Cleanliness and user-friendliness.
- Refillability.
- Battery or power supply requirements.
- See remaining product.
- Availability of replacement pumps, keys or parts.
Manual and automatic dispensers need to be checked regularly. Choose a system your team can consistently maintain and then record the model next to its refill reference in the inventory system.
Facility-Approved Hand Moisturiser
Hand hygiene planning must include skin care. Lotion can help manage dryness, which can be a problem for staff who have frequent cleaning and end up with dry or irritated hands.
Choose a hand moisturizer that is acceptable to your health care facility. CDC recommends using products approved by the facility to avoid interference with hand sanitizing products.
Please ensure that it is compatible with the gloves and hygiene products used in your clinic. Clearly record the approved product so that purchasing staff do not replace it with an improper alternative.
Why Elumia Med Store
Elumia Med Store online provides a starting point to research Hand Hygiene products and Medical Consumables. Its hand hygiene purchasing guidance covers specifications, packaging, storage and stock planning – useful points to consider when preparing a clinic supply inquiry.
Have your product names, dispenser models, refill references and quantities required ready for your inquiry. Please check current availability, compatibility & delivery details before ordering.
Ultimately
Effective hand hygiene is based on the availability of suitable products ready to use. Hand rub, soap, disposable towels, working dispensers and skin care are all worthy of attention.
Create a checklist of your clinic’s approved protocols, check supplies regularly, and assign responsibility for replenishment. These simple steps help to keep treatment rooms ready during the working day.