Is it necessary to perform hand hygiene procedures immediately after glove removal?

Performing hand hygiene procedures immediately after glove removal is essential to prevent the spread of pathogens. Gloves are designed to provide a barrier between the healthcare provider's hands and contaminants; however, they can also become contaminated on their surface during use. As gloves can be perforated or may not cover every area of the hands, there is always a risk of transferring pathogens to one’s hands when they are removed.

By practicing hand hygiene right after removing gloves, any potential contamination on the surface of the gloves is not transferred to other surfaces or to the caregiver's face or other personal items. This step significantly reduces the risk of infection and contributes to overall infection control protocols in healthcare settings. Regular hand hygiene is a fundamental practice in safeguarding both the healthcare provider and the patients they care for.