What is the proper procedure for hand hygiene after glove removal?

• A. Reuse gloves without washing hands.
• B. Remove gloves, wash hands with soap and water or use sanitizer if hands are not visibly soiled, then re-wear or re-glove.
• C. Wipe hands on clothing.
• D. Ignore.

Answer: (B)

After removing gloves, your hands can still carry microorganisms from the first gloves or from touching contaminated surfaces. Cleaning your hands right away eliminates those potential microbes and reduces the risk of transferring them to yourself, others, or clean surfaces.

If your hands are visibly soiled, wash with soap and water, which physically removes dirt and germs more effectively. If hands aren’t visibly dirty, using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer is acceptable and quick, providing rapid reduction of microorganisms.

Once your hands are clean, you’re ready to continue care by protecting yourself and the next steps: you can re-wear or re-glove as needed. In most situations, putting on a fresh pair of gloves after hand hygiene maintains a proper barrier for the next task.