Which of the following is an example of stringent hand hygiene?

Using alcohol-based hand sanitizer is an example of stringent hand hygiene because it effectively eliminates a wide range of pathogens, including bacteria and viruses, when used correctly. The key to its effectiveness lies in the proper application—rubbing it over all surfaces of the hands until they are completely dry. Hand sanitizers that contain at least 60% alcohol are particularly effective in reducing the number of germs on the hands, which is crucial in healthcare settings where the risk of infection transmission is high.

Other options do not meet the standard for stringent hand hygiene. For instance, using water only does not provide adequate cleansing or antimicrobial activity necessary to reduce pathogen load effectively. Rubbing hands together dry does not involve any cleaning agents and, therefore, fails to reduce germs. Washing with soap and water for a mere 5 seconds is insufficient; effective handwashing should last at least 20 seconds to ensure proper removal of dirt and pathogens. Thus, using alcohol-based hand sanitizer is recognized as a robust practice in maintaining hand hygiene standards in healthcare environments.