When should you wash your hands?

Wash your hands whenever there is a chance that your hands may have become contaminated and whenever you are at risk of transmitting infections to yourself or others. Always wash your hands:

• Immediately when you arrive at work
• Before examining each client
• After examining each client
• Before putting on gloves for clinical procedures (such as a pelvic exam or IUD insertion)
• After touching any instrument or object that might be contaminated with blood or other body fluids, or after touching mucous membranes
• After you handle blood, urine, or other specimens
• After removing any kind of gloves (hands can become contaminated if gloves contain tiny holes or tears)
• After using the toilet or latrine
• Before leaving work

Handwashing is one of the most important infection prevention practices, but it is often overlooked. You can become infected yourself or pass infections on to your clients or your family if you don't properly wash your hands at the appropriate times.

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