What should be avoided during the hand washing procedure?

During the hand washing procedure, it is essential to avoid re-contaminating the hands after they have been cleaned. This includes actions like touching the sides of the sink, which can introduce pathogens back onto your hands. Proper hand hygiene is crucial in preventing the spread of infections, especially in healthcare settings where patients may be vulnerable to illnesses.

Re-contamination can occur if you inadvertently touch any surface that isn’t sanitized, thereby negating the benefits of the washing process. Therefore, it is important to ensure that the hands remain uncontaminated both during and after washing, which helps to maintain the effectiveness of the hand hygiene measures taken. Keeping hands away from the sink's edges and any other potential contaminated surfaces is an important part of maintaining cleanliness and ensuring patient safety.