What is the term for the process of washing hands to remove dirt and pathogens?

Hand hygiene refers to the process of cleaning hands to eradicate dirt, pathogens, and microorganisms that can lead to infections. This practice is essential in healthcare settings as it helps to maintain a sterile environment and prevent the spread of germs between patients and healthcare providers. Hand hygiene can include various methods, such as handwashing with soap and water or using alcohol-based hand sanitizers when soap is unavailable.

While sanitization is related to this practice, it specifically denotes the process of reducing the number of pathogens to a safe level, which may not necessarily imply the thoroughness achieved through proper handwashing methods. Fluid sterilization often pertains to processes used to eliminate all forms of life, including bacterial spores from fluids, which is not directly related to handwashing. Personal care describes a broader range of hygiene activities that can include washing, grooming, and overall self-maintenance but does not specifically address the focused practice of cleaning hands to prevent infection. Thus, hand hygiene is the most accurate term for this critical process in infection control.