Final answer:
Proper hand washing as per CDC recommendations involves a process that lasts at least 20 seconds and includes special attention to the entire hand, especially under fingernails.
Step-by-step explanation:
The CDC hand washing recommendations suggest that the entire hand washing process should last a minimum of 20 seconds. This is akin to humming the "Happy Birthday" song from beginning to end twice, which can serve as a timer. After wetting hands with clean, running water and applying soap, thorough scrubbing of hands is vital, including commonly missed areas such as the thumb, wrist, and under the fingernails.
The process continues with a proper rinse from wrist to fingertips and ends with drying hands with a clean towel or air blower.
Handwashing the Right Way includes making sure to clean under the fingernails, possibly with a nail brush, and this habit is emphasized before and after food preparation, after using the toilet, as well as in many other situations that can spread germs.
In healthcare settings, handwashing is even more critical and surgical scrubbing takes it further, extending the cleaning process to the arms and beyond the elbows, and must be performed thoroughly between every patient contact and before assisting with surgical procedures.