What hygiene and safety practices are standard for MLD sessions?

• A. Hand hygiene is optional and gloves are never needed.
• B. Hand hygiene, clean workspace, skin inspection, and using non-irritating products; gloves if required for infection control.
• C. Use soapy water on hands then proceed without drying.
• D. Reuse gloves between patients.

Answer: (B)

Maintaining hygiene and safety in MLD sessions means preventing infection and protecting both client and therapist through proper hand hygiene, a clean workspace, skin checks, and using non-irritating products, with gloves used when infection control requires.

Hand hygiene reduces the spread of germs during contact with skin and any tools or supplies. A clean workspace minimizes contamination of skin, products, and surfaces. Skin inspection before and after treatment helps identify open wounds, rashes, or irritation that could worsen with MLD or indicate a contraindication. Using non-irritating products protects sensitive skin during the gentle, sustained contact of MLD. Gloves are used when infection control policies or client factors require a barrier, ensuring safety without compromising technique.

The other options fall short because hygiene is not optional, drying hands after washing is part of proper hand care, and gloves should not be reused between clients due to infection risk.