What are the key steps to ensure proper hand hygiene before specimen collection?

Maintaining proper hand hygiene is essential in the specimen collection process to prevent contamination and ensure accurate results. Washing hands with soap and water or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer effectively removes or kills pathogens that may be present on the skin. This step is critical prior to any medical procedure, including specimen collection, as it significantly reduces the risk of spreading infections to patients or contaminating the specimens being collected.

Using soap and water is particularly effective for removing visible dirt, while alcohol-based hand sanitizers are a convenient alternative when soap and water are not readily available, as they can reduce the number of germs on hands quickly without the need for rinsing. This practice aligns with guidelines from health organizations regarding infection control and hygiene standards in healthcare settings, ensuring a safe environment for both patients and healthcare providers.