How often should hands be washed according to infection control standards?

Hand hygiene is a critical practice in infection control, particularly for phlebotomy technicians who regularly interact with patients. According to infection control standards, hands should be washed before and after each patient interaction to minimize the risk of transmitting infections. This frequent hand washing helps to effectively remove pathogens that could be present on the hands, either from the environment, previous patients, or from personal contact.

Washing hands before patient contact ensures that the phlebotomy technician does not introduce harmful microbes to the patient, while washing after patient contact helps to remove any pathogens that may have been acquired during the interaction. This practice not only protects the health of patients but also the healthcare workers themselves, contributing to a safer healthcare environment overall. Regular hand hygiene is a fundamental component of standard precautions and is essential in all healthcare settings.