What is the proper hand hygiene technique and when should it be performed?

• A. Use soap and water for at least 20 seconds or alcohol-based hand sanitizer; perform before and after patient contact, after glove removal, and after exposure to body fluids.
• B. Wash hands only after patient contact.
• C. Use only water; no soap.
• D. Hand hygiene is optional.

Answer: (A)

Hand hygiene is the essential practice to prevent infection transmission in healthcare. The best approach combines either soap and water for at least 20 seconds or an alcohol-based handrub, chosen based on the situation. Use soap and water when hands are visibly dirty or contaminated with body fluids, and use an alcohol-based sanitizer when hands are not visibly soiled for quick, effective microbial reduction. Perform hand hygiene before touching a patient, before performing a clean or sterile procedure, after potential exposure to body fluids, after finishing with a patient, and after removing gloves. If hands are visibly dirty, washing with soap and water is preferred; some organisms, like certain spores, may require thorough handwashing rather than sanitizer. The other options don’t meet these essential moments or use the most effective method for the scenario, so they’re not appropriate.