Which practice is essential before any medical procedure to limit infection risk?

Appropriate hand hygiene is the most essential practice before any medical procedure to limit infection risk. This practice involves thoroughly washing hands with soap and water or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer when soap is unavailable. Hand hygiene is widely recognized as one of the most effective measures to prevent the transmission of pathogens. By practicing proper hand hygiene, healthcare workers remove dirt, bacteria, and viruses from their hands, significantly reducing the likelihood of transferring harmful microorganisms to patients or contaminated surfaces during medical procedures.

Other practices, such as only using sterile instruments, are important but are not as foundational as hand hygiene. While sterile instruments help to prevent infections during specific procedures, the hands of healthcare providers are the most common route for the transmission of pathogens, making hand hygiene the cornerstone of infection prevention. Wearing jewelry or informal clothing does not contribute positively to infection control and may even increase the risk by harboring bacteria or interfering with proper handwashing techniques.