According to infection control, what should be done after contact with potentially contaminated surfaces?

After contact with potentially contaminated surfaces, the appropriate action is to remove gloves and sanitize hands. This procedure is critical in infection control practices to minimize the risk of spreading pathogens. Removing gloves prevents the transfer of contaminants to other surfaces or individuals, while sanitizing hands effectively reduces the microbial load on the skin.

This step is vital after any activity that could involve exposure to infectious agents, as it reinforces the protocol of maintaining hand hygiene. Proper hand sanitization eliminates any remaining pathogens, offering a significant barrier against infection transmission. This practice aligns with guidelines established by health organizations focused on infection prevention and control, emphasizing the importance of hand hygiene in various settings, especially healthcare environments.

While changing clothes may seem relevant, it is not typically necessary after brief contact with surfaces unless there is visible contamination. Moving to a different room does not address the contamination risk and does not mitigate the potential spread of infection. Disinfecting the entire area may be necessary in some situations, especially after a known contamination, but it is not the immediate step to take after a brief contact with surfaces—removing gloves and sanitizing hands directly addresses the primary concern of infection control.