Asepsis: Why Hand Hygiene is the Cornerstone of Infection Prevention

Hand hygiene. Hand hygiene is the most important step in asepsis because it is the most effective way to prevent the spread of infection. Hands can become contaminated with microorganisms from the environment, from contact with patients, or from contact with contaminated surfaces. Proper hand hygiene can remove or kill microorganisms on the hands, preventing them from being spread to patients or to other surfaces.