Which is the correct sequence for applying alcohol-based sanitizer?

The correct sequence for applying alcohol-based sanitizer begins with rubbing hands together until they are dry. This method is critical because effective hand hygiene requires that the sanitizer be applied to all surfaces of the hands, including between the fingers and around the fingernails. Rubbing the hands together helps to ensure that the sanitizer can effectively kill germs present on the skin.

Using a large amount of sanitizer is important, but the key is ensuring thorough coverage and allowing it to dry completely on its own to maximize its antimicrobial effectiveness. If hands are not dry or if they are wiped with a towel before the sanitizer has had time to work, this can reduce the effectiveness of the sanitizer.

Applying sanitizer to dirty hands is not a recommended practice as it does not effectively clean the hands and may allow bacteria and viruses to persist. Additionally, drying hands with a towel is not ideal after applying sanitizer because it can remove some of the product, decreasing its effectiveness in killing germs. Therefore, the sequence of rubbing the hands until dry is the most appropriate and effective method for applying alcohol-based sanitizer.