Why is hand hygiene important in IV therapy?

Hand hygiene is crucial in IV therapy primarily to minimize the risk of infection. When healthcare providers administer IV therapy, they are frequently handling sterile equipment and accessing the patient's bloodstream, which can serve as a direct pathway for pathogens. By performing proper hand hygiene—washing hands with soap and water or using alcohol-based hand sanitizers—providers can significantly reduce the microbial load present on their hands. This is essential in preventing healthcare-associated infections, including those that can arise from IV lines.

Maintaining cleanliness and reducing the potential for contamination at each stage of the IV process protects both the patient and the integrity of the IV equipment. Consequently, minimizing the risk of infection forms the foundation of safe IV practices and makes hand hygiene an integral part of every healthcare provider's training and protocol.