Hygienic hand disinfection

The single most important measure against transmission — when, for how long and with which technique, and when hand washing is needed as well.

Content created with AI assistance from public clinical sources (RKI, AWMF) – may contain mistakes; if in doubt, your textbook is right

Translated from the German original, which is authoritative. The exam itself is in German.

Material

• Alcohol-based hand disinfectant from the dispenser (efficacy as per the hygiene plan, virucidal for noroviruses)
• If needed, washing lotion and disposable towels
• Skin protection and skin care products

Typical mistakes in the exam

• Forgetting to disinfect after taking off gloves
• Rubbing in for too short a time or carrying on working while the disinfectant is still wet
• Rings, a watch or polished nails
• Only disinfecting and not washing in C. difficile

What examiners ask afterwards

• What are the five indications for hand disinfection?
• When is disinfection not enough?
• Do gloves replace hand disinfection?

Sources

• KRINKO: Händehygiene in Einrichtungen des Gesundheitswesens (RKI, Änderung 2026)
• Aktion Saubere Hände: 5 Indikationen der Händedesinfektion