Abstract
Objective: To analyze the literature on the adherence of hand hygiene techniques (HH) in neonatal and adult Intensive Care Units (ICU) and their possible relationships with healthcare-related infections (HAI). Literature review: Although hand washing is an efficient way to prevent infections in a hospital environment, there is a low adherence by health professionals to its practice. Nurses are the ones who use HH the most, while doctors and nursing technicians are the ones who least adhere to these techniques. There is also a lower occurrence of acceptance of hand washing with the passing of work shifts during the day. Final considerations: The lack of HH adherence can generalize infections in an ICU, seeing the need to create educational actions to encourage awareness and adherence to HH, in the correct way, by health professionals.