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What is the term for the process of cleaning the hands to eliminate germs?

  1. Washing

  2. Degermation

  3. Sanitization

  4. Disinfection

The correct answer is: Degermation

The process of cleaning the hands to eliminate germs is best described as sanitization. This term specifically refers to the reduction of the number of germs present on surfaces, especially skin, to safe levels as judged by public health standards. Sanitization is a critical practice in healthcare settings to minimize the risk of infections. While washing hands with soap and water is an essential part of this process, the broader term that encompasses the goal of making hands free of significant contamination is sanitization. Similarly, disinfecting usually applies to surfaces and does not take the specific focus on hand hygiene, while degermation is not a commonly used term in healthcare literature. Therefore, the correct choice aligns with the established terminology and best practices in infection control.