An alcohol-containing preparation designed for application to the hands to reduce the number of microorganisms on the hands. In the United States, such preparations usually contain 60 percent to 95 percent ethanol or isopropanol.

Hands showing visible dirt or visibly contaminated with proteinaceous body substances (e.g., blood, fecal material, urine).

Soap (detergent) containing an antiseptic agent.

Antiseptics are antimicrobial substances that are applied to the skin to reduce the number of microbial flora.  Examples include alcohols, chlorhexidine, chlorine, hexachlorophene, iodophors, chloroxylenol (PCMX), quaternary ammonium compounds, and triclosan.

Washing hands with water and soap or other detergents containing an antiseptic agent.

Applying an antiseptic hand rub product to all surfaces of the hands to reduce the number of microorganisms present.

A serious infection that occurs when bacteria from an infected site on the body invade the bloodstream. If bacteria continue to multiply without being  stopped by antibiotics or the patient's immune system, there is a high risk of septic shock, a potentially life-threatening condition.

A progressive decrease in the numbers of microorganisms recovered following repeated applications of a test material.

Reducing bacterial counts on hands by performing antiseptic hand rub or antiseptic handwash.

Compounds that possess a cleaning action. They are composed of a hydrophilic part and a lipophilic part and can be divided into four groups: anionic, cationic, amphoteric, and non-ionic detergents.