What is the final step in handwashing?

The final step in handwashing is to rinse the hands while facing upwards. This position helps to allow the water to flow over the hands and down the forearms, which effectively rinses away any soap or debris. By keeping the hands facing up, it minimizes the risk of water running back down onto the cleaned hands, which could potentially contaminate them. This technique is essential for maintaining proper hygiene protocols, especially in sterile processing environments where hand cleanliness is critical to preventing infection and ensuring the safety of surgical instruments and patient care. Proper handwashing is a fundamental practice, and positioning the hands correctly during rinsing helps reinforce the effectiveness of the cleaning process.