Final answer:
Prior to wearing a gown, thorough handwashing is essential to minimize microbial transfer. After gown removal, hand hygiene is again critical to prevent contamination. Proper disposal of protective clothing and maintaining a clean environment are key to safety practices in healthcare and lab settings.
Step-by-step explanation:
Proper Procedures Before and After Wearing a Gown
Before wearing a gown, especially in a healthcare or laboratory setting, it is crucial to maintain strict hand hygiene. One must ensure handwashing thoroughly to minimize the transfer of microbes. Handwashing should follow the five recommended steps by the CDC which involve wetting hands, applying soap, scrubbing all surfaces of the hands for at least 20 seconds, rinsing with water, and drying with a clean towel or air dryer. After the gown is donned, attention to proper personal hygiene continues to be important, as does adherence to safety protocols such as the proper use of gloves, goggles, and face protection.
After removing the gown, health-care workers should once again wash their hands to prevent contamination and the spread of any potential pathogens. In instances where there is contact with contaminated specimens or equipment, it is imperative to follow laundering for personal protection equipment (PPE) and dispose of the gown according to established infection control policies, which may include incineration or autoclaving. In all cases, maintaining a clean environment and proper disposal of materials are key to safety and preventing the spread of infection.