Healthcare providers should practice hand hygiene at key points in time to disrupt the transmission of microorganisms to patients. Hand hygiene must be practiced before and after patient contact, after contact with blood, body fluids, or contaminated surfaces (even if gloves are worn), before and after invasive procedures, and after removing gloves. Wearing gloves is not enough to prevent the transmission of pathogens in healthcare settings.

Why is it so important?

• Hand hygiene is one of the most important ways to PREVENT the spread of infection when it is performed correctly.

• Wash with soap & water when indicated or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Make sure that you wash with soap and water or rub with an alcohol-based hand sanitizer for a minimum of 20 seconds.

When to perform hand hygiene?

• Upon entry into a patient’s room/Before patient contact

• Before a clean or aseptic procedure

• After body fluid exposure risk

• After patient contact

• After contact with the patient’s environment/Upon leaving a

patient’s room

• Before donning gloves

• After removing gloves

NOTE: Wearing gloves only is not sufficient hand hygiene. Hands must be cleaned BEFORE gloves are put on, and AFTER they are removed.