Hand hygiene and personal protection

1. 1

   Core concept

   Hand hygiene is needed before and after patient contact and after glove removal, and at other indications defined by CDC and facility policy. In most routine clinical situations when hands are not visibly soiled, an approved alcohol-based hand rub is preferred; use soap and water when hands are visibly soiled and in additional situations required by policy or outbreak guidance.

2. 2

   Apply the concept

   Review a five-event simulated workflow and indicate each required hand hygiene opportunity, including movement from a contaminated body site to a clean one. Separate the choice of cleansing method from the reason hygiene is required; use official technique training for the actual method.

3. 3

   Professional decision-making

   Handwash skill tests have specific evaluator criteria. This lesson does not certify technique or replace the official checklist and supervised practice. Damaged or contaminated gloves require safe change and appropriate hygiene.

4. 4

   On the job

   • Clean your hands before touching a resident, before a clean task, after body-fluid exposure, after touching a resident and after touching their surroundings.
   • Use alcohol-based hand rub for routine care when hands are not visibly dirty.
   • Use soap and water when hands are visibly soiled or when your facility's policy requires it.
   • Remove gloves carefully and clean your hands right away; gloves do not replace hand hygiene.
   • Change gloves when moving from a dirty body area to a clean one, and when they tear.
5. 5

   Case study

   After removing gloves used for a dirty-care task, an aide immediately handles clean supplies without cleaning their hands.

   Think about what you would do, then show the recommended response

   Identify the hygiene breach and apply the facility's hand hygiene guidance before proceeding.

6. 6

   Your practice task

   Hand hygiene decision chart and supervised-practice questions for an instructor. Check yourself: Correct before/after glove guidance. Visibly soiled exception identified. No claim of technique certification.

7. 7

   Common misconception

   Wearing gloves is not a substitute for hand hygiene.

8. 8

   Check yourself

   1. When should you choose soap and water over hand rub?
   2. Why clean your hands after taking gloves off?
   3. What should you do if a glove tears during care?

   Show the answers

   1) When hands are visibly soiled, and in other situations your facility's policy names. 2) Gloves can have tiny holes, and hands can become contaminated while removing them. 3) Stop safely, remove the glove, clean your hands and put on a new glove.

Checked against the official sources listed below on November 9, 2026. Educational only: not medical, legal or regulatory advice, state-approved training, or certification.