What is the recommended step after a healthcare worker has been in contact with contaminated surfaces?

Performing hand hygiene is essential after a healthcare worker has been in contact with contaminated surfaces. This step is crucial because hand hygiene significantly reduces the risk of transmitting pathogens that may have been acquired from those surfaces. Even if gloves were worn, they can be compromised or contaminated during patient care, making it vital to clean hands thoroughly to eliminate any potential residual pathogens.

Hand hygiene can involve washing hands with soap and water or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, both of which are effective methods to ensure that any pathogens are removed before the healthcare worker continues with patient care or interacts with other surfaces. This practice plays a fundamental role in infection control protocols aimed at preventing healthcare-associated infections.