Which practice is essential before performing any medical procedures?

Hand hygiene is an essential practice before performing any medical procedures because it significantly reduces the risk of transmitting pathogens. Proper handwashing or use of hand sanitizer eliminates bacteria and viruses from healthcare providers' hands, which can otherwise lead to healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). This step is foundational in infection control practices, as hands are the most common means by which infectious agents are spread in a clinical setting.

While wearing gloves, disinfecting the area, and using a mask are important components of infection control, they do not replace the need for hand hygiene. Gloves can become contaminated, and if hand hygiene is not practiced before putting on gloves, there is still a risk of transmitting pathogens to patients or the environment. Disinfecting surfaces helps reduce surface contamination but does not address the organisms that may be present on the caregiver's hands. Masks protect against respiratory droplets but do not affect hand hygiene. Overall, hand hygiene is the critical first step in ensuring patient safety and effective infection control.