What should be done immediately after gloves are removed following radiography exposure?

Immediately after gloves are removed following radiography exposure, it is essential to wash hands thoroughly. This action is vital for infection control as it helps in removing any potential contaminants that may have come into contact with the gloves. Hand hygiene is a critical practice in healthcare settings to prevent the spread of infections, especially after handling potentially contaminated equipment or materials.

While disposing of gloves is also necessary to prevent cross-contamination, washing hands afterwards reinforces the cleanliness and safety of the clinician's hands before performing any other tasks. Removing the lead apron is relevant but not immediately necessary after glove removal, as the apron is typically not a source of contamination. Cleaning the radiography machine is an important part of infection control, but it is not the immediate step following glove removal. The priority is to ensure that hands remain free from any possible pathogens.