How should hands be treated immediately prior to the radiography procedure?

Washing hands with soap and water immediately prior to the radiography procedure is essential for maintaining a high level of infection control. This practice effectively removes dirt, organic material, and a significant amount of transient microorganisms from the hands. Proper hand hygiene is a foundational aspect of infection prevention in any healthcare setting, including dental practices.

This step is critical as it ensures that the dental radiographer or any healthcare provider does not inadvertently transfer pathogens to themselves, the radiographic equipment, or the patient during the procedure. Handwashing with soap and water not only decreases the microbial load but also helps in preventing cross-contamination, which is vital for ensuring the safety of both the patient and the healthcare provider.

While other options, such as drying hands or using gloves, are important in the overall infection control protocol, they do not replace the necessity of first washing hands with soap and water to ensure cleanliness and safety before any clinical procedure.