What is the first step in infection control before interacting with patients?

The first step in infection control before interacting with patients is to wash hands. Proper hand hygiene is fundamental in preventing the spread of infections in healthcare settings. Washing hands with soap and water effectively removes dirt, organic material, and a wide range of pathogens, reducing the risk of transmitting infections from healthcare providers to patients.

Handwashing should be performed before any patient contact, after removing gloves, and when hands are visibly soiled. While using hand sanitizer is effective in killing many types of germs, it does not remove dirt or contaminants that may be present. Gloves and masks are important for protecting both healthcare providers and patients from exposure but do not replace the necessity of hand hygiene prior to any interaction.

Overall, handwashing is a critical and foundational practice in infection control that sets the stage for safe and effective patient care.