Adequate hand hygiene as key element in infection prevention – including New Delhi Superbug

13 February 2023

Adequate hand hygiene maintained by medical personnel is an indispensable prerequisite for controlling nosocomial infections. Hygienic hand disinfection performed before and after providing patient care is the key element of each medical procedure.

Surgical hand preparation should precede each surgical intervention. Not only using a proper soap or disinfectant is important, but also an adequate technique which should be in accordance with WHO guidance.

Growing number of bacterial infections

WHO reports reveal increase in Hospital Acquired Infections with high levels of resistance in bacteria. One of the drug-resistant superbugs, which are immune to almost all known antibiotics is New Delhi. It was first discovered in India, and has now spread in all regions of the world.

The New Delhi bacteria lives in the gastrointestinal tract and on the skin. It can survive on any surface in the hospital (beds, mattresses, toilets, medical furniture, medical equipment) and therefore on the hands of medical personnel as well.

Widely used antibiotic treatment stimulates its drug-resistance. In the situation of immunodeficiency when the patient is infected by New Delhi the possible complications can be very dangerous including pneumonia, urinary tract infection, meningitis or even sepsis. Postoperative wounds infections happen very often. In this case number of deaths is very high.

Adequate surgical hand preparation is the key element in reducing cross-contamination – including those caused by New Delhi superbug. “Surgical hand preparation should reduce the release of skin bacteria from the hands of the surgical team for the duration of the procedure in case of an unnoticed puncture of the surgical glove releasing bacteria to the open wound. In contrast to the hygienic handwash or handrub, surgical hand preparation must eliminate the transient and reduce the resident flora. It should also inhibit growth of bacteria under the gloved hand’ (WHO Guidelines on Hand Hygiene in Health Care).

ALVO Premium surgical scrub sink helps medical personnel in proper surgical hand preparation. It enables touch-free operation for increased hygiene and liquids management (water, soap and disinfectant). The scrub sink provides all supplies and accessories built-in one unit, prevents water from splashing and what is most important: Alvo Premium scrub sink includes a self-disinfecting siphon to additionally protect sink drains, as multiple studies show that sink drains may be relevant resources of pathogens.