Certification Board of Infection Control and Epidemiology (CBIC) 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

Hand rubs containing alcohol are effective against infections primarily because they effectively kill a wide range of pathogens. The alcohol in these hand sanitizers works by denaturing proteins and disrupting the cell membranes of microbes, which can include bacteria, viruses, and fungi. This broad-spectrum efficacy allows alcohol-based hand rubs to significantly reduce the microbial load on the skin, thus playing a vital role in infection control, particularly in settings where handwashing facilities may not be readily available.

While the other factors mentioned may contribute to the practicality and user acceptance of alcohol-based hand rubs, they do not directly relate to the effectiveness of these products in eliminating pathogens. Being inexpensive and easy to use enhances accessibility, and the absence of a need for prior handwashing can increase compliance among users. However, it is the ability of alcohol to kill a wide array of pathogens that fundamentally makes these hand rubs a critical component in preventing the spread of infections in healthcare settings and the community at large.