After washing hands, which action helps prevent recontamination?

After washing hands, which action helps prevent recontamination?

• A. Rinse hands after drying
• B. Use the same paper towel to turn off the sink and open the door
• C. Dry hands by rubbing on clothing
• D. Use a fresh towel to turn off the sink

Answer: (A)

After washing hands, the aim is to prevent recontamination by avoiding contact between clean hands and surfaces that may be contaminated. Dry hands thoroughly with a disposable towel and use a fresh towel to turn off the faucet and, if possible, to open the door. This creates a barrier so your hands stay clean rather than picking up germs again from handles or fixtures. Rinsing after drying would undo the cleaning by wetting the hands again, and reusing the same paper towel to operate the faucet and door can transfer germs between surfaces and hands. Drying on clothing leaves moisture and is not sanitary. Using a fresh towel to turn off the sink is the best practice to minimize touching contaminated surfaces with clean hands.

After washing hands, the aim is to prevent recontamination by avoiding contact between clean hands and surfaces that may be contaminated. Dry hands thoroughly with a disposable towel and use a fresh towel to turn off the faucet and, if possible, to open the door. This creates a barrier so your hands stay clean rather than picking up germs again from handles or fixtures.

Rinsing after drying would undo the cleaning by wetting the hands again, and reusing the same paper towel to operate the faucet and door can transfer germs between surfaces and hands. Drying on clothing leaves moisture and is not sanitary. Using a fresh towel to turn off the sink is the best practice to minimize touching contaminated surfaces with clean hands.