Hand Hygiene in Peritoneal Dialysis

ISPD Catheter-Related Infection Recommendations: 2017 Update

“…General measures on exit-site care and meticulous hand hygiene are generally recommended, but none has been proved by randomized controlled trial to reduce the rate of catheter-related infections (134). In general, the exit site should be cleansed at least twice weekly and every time after a shower (96,135).…”

Consensus Guidelines for the Prevention and Treatment of Catheter-Related Infections and Peritonitis in Pediatric Patients Receiving Peritoneal Dialysis: 2012 Update

“…A recent PD literature review and the World Health Organization guidelines have both discussed this subject and have provided recommendations regarding the duration for handwashing and handrubbing (18,20,21) The recommendation of an antibacterial soap for handwashing has historically been common practice. However, a recent comprehensive literature review by Baxter Healthcare on hand hygiene in PD suggests that, because bacterial resistance has been found with both triclosan-and chlorhexidine-based soaps, plain soap and water can be used for initial washing to remove any grime and transient bacteria present; then, after thorough drying, an alcohol-based liquid or gel should be applied to the hands (20). The use of pictorial handwashing guidelines (for example, those from the World Health Organization guidelines on hand hygiene) can help parents and caregivers learn a systematic, consistent approach to handwashing (21).…”

Hand Hygiene in Peritoneal Dialysis Patients: A Comparison of Two Techniques

“…Handwashing has been mostly considered a matter of personal hygiene; however, for patients undergoing PD, it is a key procedure. Adherence to a specific HH technique is vital to the success of the therapy (15). In a previous study, approximately 51% of patients who had been taught a handwashing technique at the start of therapy were no longer using it after 6 months on PD (16).…”

“…Approximately 42% of peritonitis episodes are known to be associated with touch contamination and are linked to a Staphylococcus species (15). Peritoneal dialysis programs should do all they can to reduce the incidence of peritonitis.…”

“…Among them are washing the hands with water and non-antimicrobial soap for 3 -5 minutes; washing with water and soap, followed by application of an alcoholbased product; washing with an antimicrobial soap; and rubbing the hands with an alcohol-based product (15). A 70% alcohol gel or a 70% alcohol solution with 1% -3% glycerin may replace washing with water and soap if the hands are not obviously dirty (8,13,14).…”