Instant Hand Sanitizer

Using Instant Hand Sanitizer

• Alcohol-based instant hand sanitizer should be viewed as an addition to hand washing and drying. Hands must be clean and free of grease and grime for instant hand sanitizer to work properly.
• Instant hand sanitizer can be used if there is no visible soil to reduce the risk of cross-contamination.
• Always use soap and water to wash hands and dry them with a paper towel after 5-10 applications of instant hand sanitizer.
• Be aware of possible stickiness that can build up and transfer contaminants following the use of instant hand sanitizer (CDC 2001).

CDC/HICPAC. Draft Guideline for Hand Hygiene in Healthcare Settings. John M. Boyce, MD: Didier Pittet, MD, MS; the HICPAC/SHEA/APIC/IDSA 2001. Hand Hygiene Task Force; and the Healthcare Infection Control Practices Advisory Committee.