What is the role of hand hygiene in MMBC infection prevention?

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Hand hygiene interrupts the transmission of pathogens between patients and staff. When hands are clean, the likelihood of transferring infectious organisms during patient care or after touching contaminated surfaces drops, breaking the chain of transmission. In MMBC scenarios, where a range of biological threats may be present, this simple act protects both patients and healthcare workers by preventing cross-contamination as care activities or procedures are performed. Proper technique matters: wash with soap and water when hands are visibly dirty or when certain organisms are suspected, otherwise use an alcohol-based hand rub for quick, effective antisepsis. While skin irritation is a consideration, using appropriate products and moisture helps keep hand hygiene reliable and consistent.