How long should hands be washed to ensure proper hygiene?

Hand hygiene is a crucial aspect of infection control in any healthcare setting. Washing hands for at least 20 seconds is recommended by health authorities, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This duration allows sufficient time to effectively remove soil, bacteria, and viruses from both the front and back of the hands, as well as between the fingers and under the nails.

During handwashing, it's important to use soap and water, and to ensure that all surfaces of the hands are scrubbed thoroughly. Research has shown that washing for less than 20 seconds may not adequately eliminate harmful pathogens, which could increase the risk of infection transmission in healthcare environments.

Although shorter durations may seem convenient, they do not provide the same level of thoroughness needed to achieve proper hygiene standards. Therefore, a handwashing duration of 20 seconds is established as the standard to ensure optimal hand hygiene.