To ensure proper hygiene before performing blood collections, you should wash your hands for 20 seconds. This duration is recommended to effectively remove germs and reduce the risk of contamination or infection.
When washing your hands, follow these steps:
1. Wet your hands with clean, running water (warm or cold), turn off the tap, and apply soap.
2. Lather your hands by rubbing them together with the soap. Be sure to lather the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails.
3. Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds. This step is crucial to ensure you remove as many germs as possible.
4. Rinse your hands well under clean, running water.
5. Dry your hands using a clean towel or air dry them.
Thus, the answer to the question is:
A) 20 seconds
