Clean Hands, Safe Infusions: Why Hand Hygiene Matters at Home

Hand Hygiene Matters: Protecting Yourself During Treatment 

When you’re receiving treatment through home infusion therapy, maintaining a clean and safe environment is essential. One of the simplest yet most powerful ways to protect yourself from infection is proper hand hygiene. Whether you are administering medication yourself, assisting a loved one, or working with a caregiver, clean hands help ensure your treatment remains safe and effective.

Why Hand Hygiene Is So Important

Landmark Infusion provides multiple different infusion therapies, and these involve accessing the Patient’s intravenous (IV) line. Because these pathways bypass many of the body’s natural defenses, harmful germs can enter the body more easily if proper precautions are not taken. Landmark’s Pharmacists and IV Pharmacy Technicians practice aseptic techniques when compounding all sterile medication to reduce the risk of contamination, and these precautions must continue with the Patient at home.

Practicing good hand hygiene reduces the risk of introducing bacteria, viruses, and other contaminants during your treatment process. Clean hands help protect the IV site, prevent infections, and support better overall health during therapy.

When You Should Clean Your Hands

It is important to clean your hands at key moments during your treatment routine to reduce the risk of infection. Be sure to wash or sanitize your hands in the following circumstances:

• Before preparing medications or supplies

• Before touching your IV catheter, syringe, elastomeric, or infusion pump if applicable, and tubing

• Before and after connecting or disconnecting medication

• After touching used supplies or disposing of waste

• After using the restroom, coughing, sneezing, or blowing your nose

• Anytime your hands feel or appear dirty

How to Wash Your Hands Properly

Handwashing with soap and water is one of the most effective ways to remove germs.

Follow these simple steps:

1. Wet your hands with clean, running water.

2. Apply soap and lather well.

3. Scrub all surfaces of your hands for at least 20 seconds, including:

4. The backs of your hands

5. Between your fingers

6. Under your nails

7. Your thumbs and wrists

8. Rinse thoroughly under running water.

9. Dry your hands with a clean towel or disposable paper towel.

If soap and water are not available, an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol can be used as an alternative.

Creating a Clean Treatment Routine

In addition to proper hand hygiene, keeping your treatment area clean and organized can further reduce infection risks. Consider these helpful tips:

• Designate a clean space for preparing medications. Please ensure that this space is free of pets, pet hair, food, and other contaminants. 

• Disinfect surfaces before setting up supplies (including your SASH or TPN mat)

• Avoid touching sterile parts of equipment

• Store supplies according to your pharmacy’s instructions

• Dispose of used materials safely and promptly

Consistency in these practices helps maintain a safe environment for your therapy.

Your Safety Is Our Priority

Home infusion therapy allows many patients to receive these important treatments in the comfort of their own homes. Practicing proper hand hygiene and carefully following your care instructions can help protect you from infections, lower the risk of hospital readmission, and prevent additional illnesses during treatment.

If you ever have questions about your infusion supplies, your IV site, medication, or infection prevention, don’t hesitate to contact your home infusion pharmacy or care team. We’re here to support you every step of the way so you can focus on healing with confidence. We can be reached 24/7/365 at 866.388.3883.

Good hand hygiene may seem like a small step, but it makes a big difference in keeping your treatment safe and effective and ultimately keeping YOU healthy and at home.