Final answer:
An EKG technician should maintain short artificial nails, use hand sanitizers only when hands aren't visibly soiled, change gloves between procedures, and never reuse gloves, as part of standard infection control practices.
Step-by-step explanation:
Infection Control Practices For EKG Technicians
An EKG technician should adhere to strict infection control practices to ensure the safety of both patients and healthcare workers. Infection control includes several key recommendations:
- Artificial nails should be kept short since long nails can harbor pathogens and interfere with proper glove use and hand hygiene.
- Use hand sanitizers or alcohol-based hand rubs only when hands are not visibly soiled, otherwise, wash with soap and water.
- Gloves should be changed between tasks and procedures, especially when moving from contaminated to clean areas, to prevent cross-contamination.
- Gloves should never be worn for more than one procedure. They must be discarded after each use, and hands should be cleaned immediately after glove removal.
Proper hand hygiene practices, alongside correct glove use and disposal, are fundamental components of effective infection control protocols.