Can you touch medication with your bare hands?

Can you touch medication with your bare hands?

• A. Yes, always
• B. No
• C. Only when gloves are unavailable
• D. Only for small doses

Answer: (B)

Handling medications with bare hands risks contamination of the medicine and its packaging. Your hands can transfer oils, dirt, or microbes onto pills, bottles, or labels, which can affect safety and accuracy for the person who will use the medication. The right practice is to use clean gloves or appropriate tools every time you touch medications, and to practice good hand hygiene before and after handling them. If gloves are used, change them between tasks or customers to prevent cross-contamination, and use extra protective gear when dealing with hazardous or potent products. Because of these safety and contamination concerns, touching medications with bare hands isn’t appropriate, even for small doses.

Handling medications with bare hands risks contamination of the medicine and its packaging. Your hands can transfer oils, dirt, or microbes onto pills, bottles, or labels, which can affect safety and accuracy for the person who will use the medication. The right practice is to use clean gloves or appropriate tools every time you touch medications, and to practice good hand hygiene before and after handling them. If gloves are used, change them between tasks or customers to prevent cross-contamination, and use extra protective gear when dealing with hazardous or potent products. Because of these safety and contamination concerns, touching medications with bare hands isn’t appropriate, even for small doses.