What is the recommended hand hygiene best practice in healthcare?

• A. Use water only.
• B. Use alcohol-based hand rub unless hands are visibly soiled; wash with soap and water when contaminated.
• C. Soap and water always; alcohol rub never.
• D. Only when entering room.

Answer: (B)

Hand hygiene effectiveness hinges on choosing the right method for the situation. The recommended practice is to use an alcohol-based hand rub for routine decontamination when hands are not visibly dirty, because it acts quickly, kills most common healthcare-associated pathogens, and is gentler on the skin, which supports consistent use. If hands are visibly soiled or contaminated with blood, body fluids, or other material, or when dealing with spores like C. difficile where alcohol rubs are less effective, wash with soap and water to physically remove dirt and microbes. Remember to perform hand hygiene at key moments—before touching a patient, after touching a patient or their surroundings, and after removing gloves—using the appropriate method. When using a rub, cover all surfaces and let it dry; when washing, lather for at least 15–20 seconds.