Hand hygiene refers to the practice of cleaning one's hands to reduce the transmission of pathogens and prevent infections. It is considered a primary measure for reducing the risk of transmitting infection among healthcare providers and patients
. Hand hygiene products can be categorized into two main types: alcohol-based and antimicrobial (medicated) soaps
. Alcohol-based hand rubs contain alcohol (60%-95%) and are designed for application to the hands to inactivate microorganisms and/or temporarily reduce transient microbial flora
. These preparations may contain one or more types of alcohol, other active ingredients with excipients, and humectants
. Alcohol-based hand rubs are preferred over soap and water in most clinical situations because they are more effective at killing potentially deadly germs on hands, require less time, and are more accessible than handwashing sinks
. Antimicrobial (medicated) soaps are soaps (detergents) containing an antiseptic agent at a concentration sufficient to inactivate microorganisms
. These soaps are used for handwashing when hands are visibly dirty or visibly soiled with blood or other body fluids, or after using the toilet
. Hand hygiene is essential in healthcare settings, as it helps prevent the spread of germs, including those that are resistant to antibiotics
. Healthcare personnel may need to clean their hands as many as 100 times during a work shift
. Proper hand hygiene decreases the proliferation of microorganisms, thus reducing infection risk and overall healthcare costs, length of stays, and ultimately, reimbursement
