Which method is recommended for hand hygiene when soap and water are not available?

Which method is recommended for hand hygiene when soap and water are not available?

• A. Wet hands, lather for at least 20 seconds, rinse, and dry.
• B. Use alcohol-based hand sanitizer when soap and water are not available.
• C. Wipe hands on clothing.
• D. Skip hygiene if in a hurry.

Answer: (B)

When soap and water aren’t available, using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer is the recommended hand hygiene method. It lowers the amount of germs on hands quickly and is especially useful in settings where a sink isn’t accessible. Choose a sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol, apply enough to wet all surfaces of the hands, then rub thoroughly for about 20–30 seconds until hands are dry, making sure to cover palms, backs, fingers, and under the nails. If hands are visibly dirty or greasy, washing with soap and water is still preferred when possible, since sanitizers are less effective in those conditions. Wiping hands on clothing or skipping hygiene do not reliably reduce microbial load and should be avoided.

When soap and water aren’t available, using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer is the recommended hand hygiene method. It lowers the amount of germs on hands quickly and is especially useful in settings where a sink isn’t accessible. Choose a sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol, apply enough to wet all surfaces of the hands, then rub thoroughly for about 20–30 seconds until hands are dry, making sure to cover palms, backs, fingers, and under the nails. If hands are visibly dirty or greasy, washing with soap and water is still preferred when possible, since sanitizers are less effective in those conditions. Wiping hands on clothing or skipping hygiene do not reliably reduce microbial load and should be avoided.