What should be done after removing PPE but before leaving a patient’s room?

After removing personal protective equipment (PPE), performing hand hygiene is critical to ensuring the safety of both healthcare workers and patients. This practice is essential because, despite removing PPE, there may still be contaminants present on the skin or clothing that could be transmitted to other surfaces or individuals. Hand hygiene helps to eliminate any remaining pathogens and reduces the risk of cross-contamination.

Additionally, it is standard procedure mandated by infection control protocols, which emphasize the importance of maintaining cleanliness throughout patient care processes. By prioritizing hand hygiene right after removing PPE, healthcare professionals uphold a fundamental principle of safety and hygiene in medical environments. This is particularly important in settings where germs can spread quickly and where vulnerable populations might be at risk.