When is hand sanitizer okay to be used?

Using hand sanitizer after leaving a patient station is appropriate because it helps to reduce the transmission of pathogens. When a healthcare worker interacts with a patient, they can come into contact with various germs and contaminants. By applying hand sanitizer after leaving the patient station, the worker effectively eliminates any harmful microorganisms that may have been transferred during direct care, ensuring a safer environment for both themselves and future patients.

Hand sanitizer is generally not recommended before entering a patient area, during the actual patient care process (such as dialysis), or specifically for cleaning equipment. Before entering, it is more common to wash hands thoroughly with soap and water if visible dirt or contaminants are present. During patient procedures, hand hygiene practices can differ based on the activity, and equipment cleaning often has its own set of guidelines separate from hand hygiene.