In which situation is the use of hand sanitizer considered sufficient to prevent infection?

Using hand sanitizer is typically sufficient in situations where hands are not visibly soiled and there is no risk of exposure to infectious materials. After taking a patient's blood pressure and pulse, hand sanitizer is effective for reducing the presence of germs, as this interaction does not typically result in significant contamination of the hands.

In contrast, before administering medication, it is crucial to ensure total cleanliness, and washing hands with soap and water may be preferred to eliminate any residual pathogens thoroughly. Handling medical waste often involves contaminated materials, making it essential to wash hands rather than rely solely on hand sanitizer. During surgical procedures, maintaining a sterile environment is vital, so hand sanitizers are generally not sufficient, and surgical hand antisepsis techniques are required to minimize infection risk.