UAB PHARMACY SERVICES
Handwashing and Hand Sanitizers
ALWAYS WASH YOUR HANDS BEFORE GETTING YOUR MEDICATION READY
• Keeping hands clean through proper hand hygiene is one of the most important steps you can take to avoid getting sick and spreading germs to others. Many illnesses and conditions are spread by not washing hands with soap and clean, running water.
• If clean, running water is not available, use soap and available water. If soap and water are unavailable, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that has at least 60 % alcohol.
• Alcohol-based hand sanitizers can quickly reduce the number of germs on hands in some situations, but hand sanitizers do NOT eliminate all types of germs and are NOT effective when hands are visibly soiled.
• Proper handwashing includes scrubbing the backs of your hands, between fingers, and under nails.
INFECTION CONTROL
• It is important to notice problems as soon as possible to prevent complications.
• You should look at your IV site daily for signs of infection and report any suspected infection or symptoms to your nurse or pharmacist immediately. These include: – Pain – Redness – Swelling – Warmth – Drainage where the catheter enters your skin
• Never use medicine or supplies if there is evidence of damage, leaks, discoloration, or visible particles, or if the medication is past the expiration date on the label.
• Injection caps should always be prepped with alcohol or another antiseptic prior to accessing the catheter, as taught by your nurse.
• If your IV catheter becomes loose and is no longer secured correctly, this can lead to complications or an infection, so contact your nurse or pharmacist right away. uabmedicine. org / uab-home-infusion-therapy 13