When should healthcare professionals perform hand hygiene?

Hand hygiene is a critical practice in healthcare settings to prevent the transmission of infections. The correct choice emphasizes the importance of performing hand hygiene both before patient contact and after donning gloves. This is essential because microorganisms can be present on hands and gloves, and proper hand hygiene helps ensure that providers do not transfer harmful pathogens to patients or contaminated surfaces.

Performing hand hygiene before patient contact is vital to minimize the risk of introducing pathogens into the patient's environment. After donning gloves, it's important to note that hands can still be a source of contamination; therefore, reinforcing hand hygiene at this stage ensures that the gloves are used effectively without transferring pathogens.

This approach reflects established guidelines from health organizations, which advocate for regular hand hygiene practices to enhance patient safety and prevent healthcare-associated infections. The inclusion of both before contact and after handling protective equipment like gloves signifies a comprehensive view of infection control, ensuring that healthcare professionals maintain the highest standards of hygiene as part of their routine.