Proper hand washing is considered to be the
cornerstone of preventing the transmission of pathogens.
• Hand hygiene should be performed before patient contact (even if gloves are to be
worn), after patient contact and before exiting the patient care area, after contact
with blood, body fluids or contaminated surfaces (even if gloves are worn), before
performing invasive procedures (i.e., placement or access of intravascular lines)
and after glove removal.20
• The use of soap and water is required when hands are visibly soiled and after caring
for patients with known or suspected infectious causes of diarrhea such as C.
difficile. Otherwise, the use of alcohol-based hand agents is adequate.