ATLANTA, Ga-Officials at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have published a new guideline on hand hygiene that states healthcare workers (HCWs) should not wear artificial nails.

The guideline says artificial nails or nail extenders should not be worn by nurses who treat patients. Artificial nails harbor pathogens that can cause nosocomial infections. Three unusual surgical site infections were recently linked back to an operating room staff member who wore artificial nails. 

The guideline also recommends the use of waterless alcohol-based agents for routine hand antisepsis.

Organizations participating in the development of the guideline include the Healthcare Infection Control Practices Advisory Committee (HICPAC), the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC), the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America (SHEA), and the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA).

Hand Hygiene

 hand hygiene page examines the practice of hand hygiene, from the proper methods to adherence among hospital staff. Will greater recognition of hand hygiene’s importance in curbing the spread of infections translate into better adherence among hospital staff and the public? This page features videos that demonstrate exactly how to conduct hand hygiene properly, articles recapping peer-reviewed literature on the latest advances in monitoring and adherence, as well as the popular "Bug of the Month" feature. 

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Environmental Services

 environmental services (EVS) page recognizes the team responsible for sanitation and cleaning within the health care system. EVS personnel are an integral component of infection prevention in the hospital, working closely together with the health care staff to ensure patient safety and hygiene standards. 

 keeps a close eye on developments in the environmental services industry and reports on any peer-reviewed literature. This page also features video interviews with EVS and the professionals who interact with them.

CDC Nails Nurses