In the doffing sequence for airborne isolation, when should hand hygiene be performed?

In the doffing sequence for airborne isolation, when should hand hygiene be performed?

• A. After removing gloves
• B. After removing gown
• C. After removing mask
• D. After removing gloves and after removing mask

Answer: (D)

Hand hygiene timing in airborne isolation doffing focuses on two critical moments when your hands are most likely to pick up contaminants: after removing gloves and again after removing the mask or respirator. Gloves are removed first and are highly likely to transfer any infectious material to your hands during removal, so cleaning your hands right away stops that contamination from spreading to other PPE or to your face. The mask or respirator outer surface can also become contaminated; removing it can transfer organisms to your hands, so performing hand hygiene again after removal minimizes the risk of transferring those contaminants to your eyes, nose, mouth, or other surfaces. In short, sanitize after gloves come off and sanitize again after the mask comes off to best prevent self-contamination. If hands are visibly dirty, wash with soap and water; otherwise an alcohol-based hand rub is appropriate.

Hand hygiene timing in airborne isolation doffing focuses on two critical moments when your hands are most likely to pick up contaminants: after removing gloves and again after removing the mask or respirator. Gloves are removed first and are highly likely to transfer any infectious material to your hands during removal, so cleaning your hands right away stops that contamination from spreading to other PPE or to your face. The mask or respirator outer surface can also become contaminated; removing it can transfer organisms to your hands, so performing hand hygiene again after removal minimizes the risk of transferring those contaminants to your eyes, nose, mouth, or other surfaces. In short, sanitize after gloves come off and sanitize again after the mask comes off to best prevent self-contamination. If hands are visibly dirty, wash with soap and water; otherwise an alcohol-based hand rub is appropriate.