Which technique is essential for infection control in medical procedures?

Which technique is essential for infection control in medical procedures?

• A. Using gloves
• B. Performing hand hygiene
• C. Wearing face masks
• D. Applying antiseptics

Answer: (B)

Performing hand hygiene is fundamental for infection control in medical procedures because it significantly reduces the number of pathogens on the hands, which is a primary route for the transmission of infections. This practice involves cleaning hands thoroughly with soap and water or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, particularly before and after patient interactions or procedures. By ensuring that hands are clean, healthcare workers protect both themselves and their patients from the spread of harmful microorganisms. While using gloves, wearing face masks, and applying antiseptics are all important components of infection control, they are often considered supplementary to the critical practice of hand hygiene. Gloves, for example, provide a barrier but are not a substitute for handwashing—hands can still become contaminated if gloves are not changed or used appropriately. Similarly, face masks help to prevent respiratory droplets from spreading but do not address the multitude of ways germs can be transferred through hand contact. Antiseptics are useful for disinfecting skin or surfaces but do not replace the need for routine hand washing. Thus, hand hygiene remains the cornerstone of infection prevention in healthcare settings.

Performing hand hygiene is fundamental for infection control in medical procedures because it significantly reduces the number of pathogens on the hands, which is a primary route for the transmission of infections. This practice involves cleaning hands thoroughly with soap and water or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, particularly before and after patient interactions or procedures. By ensuring that hands are clean, healthcare workers protect both themselves and their patients from the spread of harmful microorganisms.

While using gloves, wearing face masks, and applying antiseptics are all important components of infection control, they are often considered supplementary to the critical practice of hand hygiene. Gloves, for example, provide a barrier but are not a substitute for handwashing—hands can still become contaminated if gloves are not changed or used appropriately. Similarly, face masks help to prevent respiratory droplets from spreading but do not address the multitude of ways germs can be transferred through hand contact. Antiseptics are useful for disinfecting skin or surfaces but do not replace the need for routine hand washing. Thus, hand hygiene remains the cornerstone of infection prevention in healthcare settings.