Which step is part of standard hand hygiene technique?

• A. Disinfect with water only
• B. Use alcohol-based hand rub unless hands are visibly soiled
• C. Skip drying hands
• D. Use hand sanitizer after gloves are worn

Answer: (B)

Hand hygiene aims to rapidly reduce microbes on the hands, and the best first step is to use an alcohol-based hand rub when hands are not visibly dirty. It’s fast, effective against a wide range of pathogens, and convenient, which makes it the standard technique in most clinical situations. If hands are visibly soiled or potentially contaminated with organic material, washing with soap and water is required to physically remove dirt and microbes. Drying hands is also important, since moisture can help transfer microbes, so use a clean towel or air-dry. After removing gloves, perform hand hygiene before touching anything else or donning a new pair of gloves; sanitizing after gloves are worn isn’t the standard sequence.