Final answer:
Handwashing is crucial for a medical assistant both before and after contact with a patient to prevent infection spread.
Step-by-step explanation:
The medical assistant should always wash hands before and after contact with a patient. This practice is crucial to prevent the spread of infections and is considered standard protocol in any healthcare setting. Washing hands thoroughly can reduce the microbiota on the skin and prevent the introduction of microbes to a patient's surgical wounds or other vulnerable areas.