What is an essential infection control procedure in hemodialysis?

Hand hygiene before and after patient contact is a fundamental infection control procedure in hemodialysis because it significantly reduces the risk of transmitting infections between healthcare providers and patients. Maintaining proper hand hygiene ensures that any potential pathogens on the hands of caregivers are either eliminated or minimized, thus protecting patients from infection, particularly given their vulnerable state during dialysis.

In hemodialysis settings, patients often have compromised immune systems, making them more susceptible to infections. By prioritizing hand hygiene as a routine practice, healthcare providers can create a safer environment and decrease the likelihood of healthcare-associated infections.

While frequent patient repositioning, use of disposable equipment, and daily machine cleaning are important practices in their own right, they do not directly address the transmission of microorganisms like hand hygiene does. Each of these practices may contribute to overall infection control but does not replace the critical necessity of effective hand hygiene before and after interacting with patients.