Final answer:
The typical hand washing procedure recommended by the CDC should take about 20 seconds. However, a more extensive cleaning process like surgical scrubbing can take between two to six minutes, depending on the specific guidelines and the antimicrobial used. Handwashing is crucial in a clinical setting, and especially for health-care workers.
Step-by-step explanation:
The whole hand washing procedure should usually take around 20 seconds as per the CDC recommendations. This process includes soaking your hands in water, applying adequate soap, scrubbing every part of your hands including nails, rinsing thoroughly, and finally, drying your hands. If the situation requires a more extensive cleaning procedure like a surgical scrubbing, the process will take considerably longer, usually about two to six minutes, depending on the specific protocol and the antimicrobial used.
It is essential to understand the importance of proper handwashing in maintaining public health. Handwashing should be done before and after certain activities, such as food handling, treating a wound, or after having contact with bodily fluids and potentially infectious objects.
For health-care workers, hand hygiene is especially important. They must wash their hands thoroughly after patient contact, equipment handling, and before and after assisting with invasive procedures. Even after wearing necessary surgical attire, they must ensure comprehensive scrubbing.
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