What is the recommended amount of alcohol-based hand rub to use?

The recommended amount of alcohol-based hand rub to use is approximately a palm full. This quantity is generally sufficient to cover all surfaces of the hands, including between the fingers and under the nails, which is essential for effectively reducing the spread of germs and maintaining proper hand hygiene.

Using a palm full ensures that the alcohol-based rub can be thoroughly distributed and rubbed in for the recommended duration, typically at least 20 seconds, to achieve the desired antimicrobial effect. The effectiveness of hand sanitizers relies not only on their chemical properties but also on proper application techniques and adequate amounts of the product.

Other quantities, such as a nickel-sized amount or a capful, may not provide enough coverage, while an ounce is more than typically necessary for effective hand sanitization, which can lead to waste. Thus, the palm full amount strikes a balance between effectiveness and practicality.