When changing a wound dressing, what is the most important step in preventing the spread of infection?

Washing your hands is the most important step in preventing the spread of infection when changing a wound dressing. Hand hygiene is considered the first line of defense against infection for healthcare providers. Proper handwashing removes transient microorganisms that can be responsible for infections, significantly reducing the risk of contamination during the dressing change process.

Even if gloves are worn or antiseptic solutions are utilized, they do not replace the necessity of clean hands. Gloves can be a source of contamination if they are not put on or removed properly. Similarly, while antiseptic solutions are essential in the wound care process, they work effectively only when the healthcare provider has first eliminated potential pathogens on their hands. Covering the wound properly is also crucial for wound healing and infection prevention, but it comes after ensuring that the hands are clean to start with.