What is the role of hand sanitizer in infection control?

The role of hand sanitizer in infection control primarily revolves around its effectiveness in reducing the number of germs on hands when soap and water are not readily available. Hand sanitizers, especially those that contain at least 60% alcohol, are designed to quickly decrease the presence of many types of germs. They do this by disrupting the structure of the pathogens, which helps to lower the risk of infection.

While hand sanitizers are a valuable tool in maintaining hand hygiene, they are not intended to completely replace traditional handwashing with soap and water, particularly in situations where hands are visibly dirty or greasy. Additionally, hand sanitizers do not clean surfaces; that requires specific disinfecting agents. It's also important to note that hand sanitizers do not eliminate all types of bacteria and viruses, particularly certain pathogens that are more resistant.

Thus, option B emphasizes the practical application of hand sanitizer as a convenient option for reducing germ levels when traditional handwashing isn’t feasible, underscoring its importance in infection control protocols.