Which of the following actions is most critical for infection control during treatments?

Sanitizing hands is the most critical action for infection control during treatments because it serves as the first line of defense against the transmission of pathogens. The hands are often the primary means by which infections are spread, both to and from clients. By thoroughly sanitizing hands before and after treatment, practitioners significantly reduce the risk of contaminating equipment, products, or the clients themselves with harmful bacteria or viruses.

While the other actions listed—using antiseptic lotion, wearing gloves, and disinfecting tools—are also important components of infection control protocols, they are secondary to hand hygiene. Gloves, for example, can provide a barrier to pathogens, but if hands are not properly sanitized first, gloves can still become contaminated when being put on or taken off. Similarly, disinfecting tools is indeed crucial but is ineffective if the practitioner’s hands, which handle those tools, are not sanitized. Ensuring that hands are clean addresses the fundamental route of infection transmission, thereby enhancing overall safety during treatments.