What is the standard practice for hand hygiene in healthcare?

The standard practice for hand hygiene in healthcare emphasizes both washing hands with soap and water and the use of alcohol-based hand sanitizers. This dual approach is essential because it addresses various types of pathogens effectively. Soap and water are crucial when hands are visibly soiled or contaminated with certain pathogens, while alcohol-based hand sanitizers are convenient for routine use as they are effective against many types of germs without needing water.

This practice aligns with guidelines from health organizations, which recommend using an appropriate method based on specific situations. For example, soap and water are more effective in removing dirt, grease, or certain types of viruses, while hand sanitizers are beneficial for quick disinfection when hands are not visibly dirty.

The other options do not provide a comprehensive approach to hand hygiene, as relying solely on alcohol-based hand sanitizer neglects instances where washing with soap and water is necessary. Indicating that hand hygiene is not necessary completely disregards the critical role it plays in infection prevention, and simply wiping hands with a dry cloth does not effectively eliminate pathogens. These practices can lead to increased risks of infection and are not aligned with established health guidelines.