Under which conditions should you use an alcohol-based hand rub instead of soap and water?

Under which conditions should you use an alcohol-based hand rub instead of soap and water?

• A. Never; soap and water always.
• B. Unless hands are visibly soiled.
• C. Only after patient contact.
• D. Only if gloves are worn.

Answer: (B)

Using an alcohol-based hand rub is preferred for routine hand hygiene when hands are not visibly dirty. It acts quickly to reduce most bacteria and many viruses and is convenient, gentle on the skin, and effective for everyday care. The key rule is to use the rub unless hands are visibly soiled or contaminated with blood or body fluids or when dealing with spores; in those situations, washing with soap and water is the better choice because mechanical removal with soap and water tackles dirt and certain organisms more reliably. This isn’t limited to post-patient contact or to when gloves are worn. Hand hygiene should be performed before and after patient contact (and after removing gloves) regardless of glove use.

Using an alcohol-based hand rub is preferred for routine hand hygiene when hands are not visibly dirty. It acts quickly to reduce most bacteria and many viruses and is convenient, gentle on the skin, and effective for everyday care. The key rule is to use the rub unless hands are visibly soiled or contaminated with blood or body fluids or when dealing with spores; in those situations, washing with soap and water is the better choice because mechanical removal with soap and water tackles dirt and certain organisms more reliably.

This isn’t limited to post-patient contact or to when gloves are worn. Hand hygiene should be performed before and after patient contact (and after removing gloves) regardless of glove use.