What is the first step in the hand hygiene process according to infection control recommendations?

The initial step in the hand hygiene process is to wet hands and wrists under running water. This action is essential as it prepares the skin for effective cleaning by removing any surface dirt and debris in the first stage of the process. Wetting helps to increase the efficacy of the soap that will be applied subsequently, ensuring that it can adequately emulsify and remove pathogens and impurities.

This step is fundamental to the hand hygiene protocol because it sets the stage for the subsequent steps, including lathering with soap and scrubbing. If hands are not properly wetted, the soap may not spread effectively, and the cleaning process won't be as thorough. The significance of this step cannot be overstated as it directly impacts the overall success of the hand hygiene process.