What is the most important action to take to prevent infection after a procedure?

Washing your hands is the most important action for preventing infection after a procedure. This practice is crucial because hands are common carriers of pathogens that can cause infections. Proper hand hygiene effectively removes not only visible dirt and debris but also microbial contaminants that may be present on the skin. Washing with soap and water is more effective at reducing the microbial load than using hand sanitizer, particularly in situations where hands are visibly soiled.

Although using hand sanitizer is a helpful adjunct to hand hygiene, especially when soap and water are unavailable, it does not eliminate all types of germs as effectively as washing. Wearing gloves provides a barrier but does not replace the need for hand hygiene—gloves can also become contaminated and should not be considered a substitute for washing hands. Changing clothes may help reduce exposure to contaminants but has a limited effect on hand-borne pathogens.

Thus, handwashing remains the cornerstone of infection prevention, particularly in a healthcare setting post-procedure, where the risk of contamination is heightened.