How frequently should a radiographer wash their hands during a working day?

The correct approach for a radiographer regarding hand hygiene is to wash their hands before and after each patient interaction. This practice is critical in preventing the spread of infections and maintaining a safe environment for both patients and healthcare workers. Hand washing before seeing a patient ensures that any potential contaminants from the radiographer’s hands do not transfer to the patient, while washing after the interaction removes any germs or contaminants that may have been transferred during the procedure.

Frequent hand hygiene is an essential practice in healthcare settings, particularly in radiology, where radiographers often handle various equipment, materials, and body fluids. By adhering to this standard, radiographers help to reduce the risk of healthcare-associated infections and promote patient safety.

Other frequencies, such as washing once an hour, at the end of the day, or only when hands are visibly soiled, do not adequately address the ongoing risk of infection between patients and are therefore not recommended practices in a clinical environment.