Which of the following is NOT recommended as part of a hand hygiene protocol?

• A. Use soap and water or alcohol-based sanitizer
• B. Dry hands with a shared towel
• C. Wash for at least 20 seconds when hands are visibly dirty
• D. Dry hands thoroughly

Answer: (B)

Hand hygiene works best when cleansing is followed by careful drying to prevent recontamination. Soap and water or alcohol-based sanitizer both effectively reduce microbes on the hands. When hands are visibly dirty, washing for at least 20 seconds ensures you remove stubborn dirt and germs. Drying hands thoroughly is essential because wet hands transfer microbes more easily, and using a shared towel can move organisms from one person to another. Drying with a shared towel is not recommended because it creates a route for cross-contamination. The other practices support effective hand hygiene, while the shared towel option undermines it.