Which of the following should be done after patient contact and before performing any procedures?

After patient contact and before proceeding with any procedures, performance of hand hygiene is critically important. This practice helps to reduce the risk of transmitting infections to both patients and healthcare workers. Hand hygiene, which includes handwashing or using hand sanitizer, is considered one of the most effective ways to prevent healthcare-associated infections.

This procedure is essential because it removes pathogens that may have been transferred during patient interaction, ensuring that the technician's hands are clean and safe for further tasks. By performing hand hygiene, you are adhering to standard infection control protocols that prioritize patient safety and overall cleanliness.

While wearing additional protective gear might be necessary depending on the procedures being performed, it should not replace the fundamental practice of hand hygiene. Changing facility linens is an important task but is typically done on a scheduled basis rather than immediately after each patient contact. Notifying a supervising technician may be appropriate in specific situations, but it does not directly address infection control measures that must be taken immediately following patient interaction. Thus, the emphasis on hand hygiene is a pivotal aspect of maintaining a safe healthcare environment.