How should hand hygiene be performed?

Hand hygiene is a critical practice in healthcare to prevent the spread of pathogens and maintain patient safety. The most effective method, especially in many clinical settings, involves the use of a waterless alcohol-based antiseptic hand rub that contains 60% to 90% alcohol.

This concentration of alcohol is proven to be effective against a wide range of microorganisms, including bacteria and viruses, by denaturing proteins and disrupting cell membranes. The advantage of using an alcohol-based hand rub is that it can be used quickly without needing water, making it convenient for healthcare providers who often have limited time between patient interactions.

While bar soap and a scrub brush can be effective for removing dirt and debris, they are not always suitable for routine hand hygiene in clinical environments, particularly where quick disinfection is needed. Antiseptic soap and water can also be effective but typically involves a more time-consuming process that may not be practical in fast-paced healthcare settings.

Similarly, while hand sanitizer with at least 40% ethanol content can offer some level of disinfection, it does not meet the effectiveness or recommended concentration needed for optimal hand hygiene. Therefore, using a hand rub with 60% to 90% alcohol provides both efficacy and efficiency, making it the preferred choice for hand