NHA Phlebotomy Certification Practice Exam

When can alcohol-based hand sanitizers be used as a substitute for handwashing?

1. Only in a blood donation center

2. When hands are visibly contaminated with blood

3. Only in certain patient care areas

4. When the hands are not visibly contaminated with blood or other body fluid

The correct answer is: When the hands are not visibly contaminated with blood or other body fluid

Alcohol-based hand sanitizers are effective at reducing the number of germs on the skin when hands are not visibly soiled. They are particularly useful in healthcare settings, as they can help decrease the spread of infections when water and soap are not readily available. The effectiveness of alcohol-based hand sanitizers hinges on their ability to eliminate most types of bacteria and certain viruses. However, they do not perform well when hands are visibly dirty or contaminated with blood or other bodily fluids. In such cases, traditional handwashing with soap and water is necessary to remove all contaminants properly. Therefore, when hands are not visibly contaminated with blood or other body fluids, alcohol-based hand sanitizers can serve as a suitable substitute for handwashing, making them a practical option in many healthcare situations and everyday life.