When should hand antiseptics be used?

• A. Before washing hands
• B. While washing hands
• C. Only after using the restroom
• D. After washing hands

Answer: (D)

Hand antiseptics are used after washing hands to reduce any remaining microorganisms on clean hands. Washing with soap physically removes soil and many germs, and drying hands prepares them for the sanitizer to work effectively. They should not be used before washing, during washing, or as a substitute for washing; sanitizer won’t be effective on visibly dirty hands and isn’t a replacement for washing. In practice, you wash, dry your hands, then apply the hand antiseptic to maintain cleanliness during service. This is why applying after washing hands is the correct timing.