What is the minimum requirement for hand hygiene before donning gloves?

• A. Wipe hands with a dry towel.
• B. Rinse hands with water only for 10 seconds.
• C. Rub hands with sanitizer for 10 seconds.
• D. Handwashing with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub for at least 20 seconds.

Answer: (D)

Cleaning the hands properly before putting on gloves relies on a cleansing method that reduces microbes on all hand surfaces for a sufficient duration. Whether you use soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub, you should work for at least 20 seconds, ensuring every part of the hands and fingers is covered. Soap and water physically removes dirt and microbes, while an alcohol-based rub denatures microbial proteins and is effective when hands aren’t visibly soiled. If hands are visibly dirty or stained, soap and water is preferred. Quick actions like wiping with a dry towel don’t remove microbes, rinsing with water for a short time isn’t enough, and sanitizer used for only 10 seconds usually fails to achieve adequate reduction. The key is complete coverage for the full 20 seconds (or until hands are dry for sanitizer) before gloving.