After removing gloves, what is the recommended hand hygiene action?

• A. Perform hand hygiene
• B. Wash hands only after patient contact
• C. After removing gloves, perform hand hygiene
• D. Skip hand hygiene if hands look clean

Answer: (C)

Glove removal can leave microbes on your hands, and the process of taking off gloves can transfer them to the skin. Cleaning your hands immediately after removing gloves reduces the risk of transferring organisms to yourself, the patient, or the environment. Use soap and water if hands are visibly dirty; otherwise an alcohol-based hand rub is appropriate. Even if hands look clean, you should perform hand hygiene because microorganisms aren’t visible. This step is part of standard precautions to prevent cross-contamination with each patient encounter.