Question

According to CDC recommendations, what is the minimum length of time a medical assistant should spend scrubbing their hands with soap and water when performing hand hygiene?

1) 5 seconds
2) 10 seconds
3) 20 seconds
4) 30 seconds

Answer 1

The CDC recommends a minimum of 20 seconds for scrubbing hands with soap and water during hand hygiene practices for both the public and medical professionals.

Step-by-step explanation:

According to CDC recommendations, a medical assistant should spend a minimum of 20 seconds scrubbing their hands with soap and water when performing hand hygiene. Handwashing is a crucial practice in both the general public and clinical settings for maintaining public health. The CDC advises scrubbing your hands for at least 20 seconds which can be timed by humming the "Happy Birthday" song twice from beginning to end.

This practice is even more important for healthcare workers who should thoroughly wash their hands between every patient contact and in other specified situations. While surgical scrubbing, which aims to reduce the normal microbiota to prevent introduction into surgical wounds, may vary in duration depending on the antimicrobial used, the general handwashing recommendation for the public and health professionals is clear.