Which of the following is the recommended sequence of steps to effectively reduce microbial contamination when washing your hands?

• A. Apply hand sanitizer, rub for 10 seconds, and wipe hands on clothing.
• B. Wet hands, rinse immediately without soap, and dry with a shared towel.
• C. Apply soap to dry hands, scrub for 5 seconds, rinse quickly, and air dry.
• D. Wet hands, apply soap, scrub for at least 20 seconds, rinse thoroughly, and dry with a clean towel.

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the goal: The aim is to reduce microbial contamination effectively through proper handwashing technique.
2. Step 1: Wet your hands with clean, running water to prepare the skin for soap application and to help loosen dirt and microbes.
3. Step 2: Apply an adequate amount of soap to your wet hands to create a lather that can trap and remove microbes.
4. Step 3: Scrub all surfaces of your hands, including the backs, between fingers, and under nails, for at least 20 seconds to ensure thorough removal of microbes.
5. Step 4: Rinse your hands thoroughly under clean, running water to wash away the loosened dirt, microbes, and soap residue.
6. Step 5: Dry your hands using a clean towel or air dry them to prevent recontamination from shared or dirty surfaces.