A prescribed number of brush strokes, applied lengthwise of the brush or sponge, is used for each surface of the fingers, hands and arms. A short prescrub wash loosen surface debris and transient organisms. Scrub by brush or sponge removes resident flora.
Wet the hands and arms. Wash the hands and arms thoroughly to 2 inches (5cm) above the elbow with an antiseptic agent. With the hands held under running water, clean under the fingernails carefully with a metal or disposable plastic nail cleaner. Discard the cleaner after use. Rinse the hands and arms thoroughly under running water, keeping the hands up and allowing water to drip from the elbows. Take a sterile brush or sponge from a dispenser or package. Apply an antiseptic agent to the brush or sponge (if not previously impregnated.) scrub the nails of one hand 30 strokes, all side of each finger 20 strokes, the back of the hand 20 strokes, the back of the hand 20 strokes, the arms 20 strokes for each third of the arm, to 2 inches (5cm) above the elbow. Repeat step 6 for the other hand and arm. Rinse the hands and arms thoroughly.
