hand hygiene should be performed before donning gloves

"Hand Hygiene: Essential Before Glove Donning"

By Steven YoungJanuary 19, 2026

In the realm of healthcare and safety protocols, one of the most fundamental yet often overlooked practices is hand hygiene. While gloves are a crucial barrier against infection, it's equally important to understand that they are not a substitute for proper hand hygiene. In fact, hand hygiene should be performed before donning gloves to ensure their effectiveness and to prevent cross-contamination. Let's delve into the why, how, and when of this critical practice.

Why Hand Hygiene Before Glove Use?

Hand hygiene is the first line of defense against healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). It's a simple yet powerful intervention that significantly reduces the risk of transmitting pathogens to patients and healthcare workers. Here's why it's crucial to perform hand hygiene before glove use:

Removes Contaminants: Hands can harbor a multitude of pathogens. Washing hands thoroughly removes these contaminants, reducing the risk of transmission.
Improves Glove Effectiveness: Clean hands create a better barrier when gloves are worn. This is because gloves are more likely to tear or leak when hands are contaminated.
Prevents Cross-Contamination: Gloves can become contaminated if hands are not clean. This can lead to cross-contamination, spreading pathogens from one patient to another or from surfaces to hands.

When Should Hand Hygiene Be Performed?

According to the World Health Organization (WHO) 'Five Moments for Hand Hygiene', hand hygiene should be performed at the following times:

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Before touching a patient
Before performing an aseptic task (e.g., handling injectable medicines or invasive devices)
After touching a patient
After touching a patient's surroundings (e.g., bed, bedside table)
After exposure to body fluids

As you can see, hand hygiene before touching a patient is a key moment, which includes the act of donning gloves.

How to Perform Hand Hygiene Effectively

Effective hand hygiene involves more than just a quick rinse under running water. Here's a step-by-step guide based on the WHO's recommendations:

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Une main propre est une main attentionnée-

instructions to wash your hands with soaps and scrubs for the first time in each hand

Step	Action
1	Wet your hands with water
2	Apply an alcohol-based hand rub or soap
3	Rub your hands palm to palm
4	Interlace your fingers and rub
5	Palm to each finger and thumb, rotating your hand
6	Rub your thumbs in rotation
7	Clean under your nails by placing your hands together, interlacing your fingers, and then pulling your hands apart
8	Rinse your hands with water
9	Dry your hands thoroughly with a clean towel or air dry

If your hands are visibly dirty or contaminated with blood or other body fluids, use soap and water instead of an alcohol-based hand rub. Always ensure your hands are dry before donning gloves.

Common Misconceptions About Hand Hygiene and Glove Use

Despite its importance, hand hygiene is often misunderstood. Let's debunk a few common myths:

Myth: Gloves are always necessary. Fact: Gloves should be used when there's a risk of exposure to blood, bodily fluids, or other potentially infectious materials. They are not always necessary and should not replace hand hygiene.
Myth: Hand hygiene is only important in healthcare settings. Fact: Hand hygiene is crucial in any setting where there's a risk of transmitting infections, including food preparation, childcare, and even at home.

In conclusion, hand hygiene is a critical practice that should not be overlooked, especially before donning gloves. It's a simple, effective, and affordable way to prevent healthcare-associated infections and protect both patients and healthcare workers. By understanding the why, how, and when of hand hygiene, we can all play a role in improving safety and reducing the risk of infection.