Do Hand Sanitizers Keep Your Hands Sanitary?

Tools

By Tiffany Wilson

Story Published: Sep 28, 2006 at 7:25 AM MST

Story Updated: Sep 28, 2006 at 7:34 AM MST

BILLINGS - With no sink in sight, sometimes the easiest way to wash your hands does not involve water. Alcoholic hand sanitizers are convenient and quick. But the question remains, do they really work?
Studies show that hand gels with an alcoholic content between 62% to 80% are very effective at killing germs. Health practitioners say they may be even more successful at cleansing your hands than regular soap and water, especially if you do not wash your hands correctly. For soap and water to be effective, you must use friction and rub your hands together for fifteen seconds. Even though hand sanitizers can kill most germs, there are some situations where only soap and water will do the trick.
"There are a few times that the Guideline for Hand Hygiene in Health-Care Settings indicates the gel-san or the alcohol hand gel is not effective," said Infection Control Practitioner, Jennifer Blackford. "And those times are after you use the restroom, before you eat, and if you have organic materials such as soil or body fluid or anything like that on your hands."
Blackford warned that hand sanitizers alone will not be effective against viruses. Washing with soap is the best way to prevent contagion, but she said hand sanitizers are better than nothing.

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