Procedure to reduce microorganisms on hands (and forearms) to the maximum achievable extent and as fast as possible to prevent the transmission of potentially harmful germs via the hands. In the professional setting, this is usually done by alcohol-based hand disinfectants . A distinction is made between hygienic hand disinfection and surgical hand disinfection . Hand disinfection is one of the measures of so-called basic hygiene , so that the hands can subsequently be considered safe again.
