Core best practices for hand hygiene include which of the following?

• A. Wash with soap and water only when hands are visibly dirty.
• B. Use an alcohol-based hand rub only after touching the patient.
• C. Wash with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand rub before and after patient contact, after exposure to bodily fluids, and after touching the patient environment.
• D. Hand hygiene is optional in most settings.

Answer: (C)

Hand hygiene is essential to stop the spread of infections. The best practice is to perform hand hygiene using soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub before and after patient contact, after exposure to bodily fluids, and after touching the patient’s environment. Alcohol-based hand rubs are quick and effective for routine decontamination when hands aren’t visibly dirty, but soap and water should be used when hands are visibly soiled or when exposure to certain pathogens (like spores) is a concern. This approach protects both patients and staff by reducing transmission opportunities.