When is hand hygiene especially important in relation to bloodborne pathogens?

Hand hygiene is particularly vital after the removal of gloves because during patient care, gloves may come into contact with infectious materials, including blood and other bodily fluids. Once gloves are taken off, there is a risk of transferring any pathogens that may be present on the gloves to the hands. By performing hand hygiene immediately after glove removal, one effectively reduces the risk of contaminating surfaces, objects, or other individuals they may come into contact with afterward.

Maintaining proper hand hygiene is essential for infection control, especially in environments where bloodborne pathogens are a concern. It helps to break the chain of infection and protects both healthcare workers and patients from potential exposure to pathogens. Proper practices include washing hands with soap and water or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, which removes or destroys microorganisms that could lead to infection.