Microbes can remain on the hands after washing, healthcare professionals must remove them in the most effective way possible. Paper towels are the best hand-drying option, according to an article on the FacilityCare website.
A 2012 study in the Mayo Clinic Proceedings analyzed the hygienic efficacy of different hand-drying methods. It concluded that paper towels are the best option and that air dryers can cause cross contamination.
Drying hands with a paper towel can decrease bacteria on fingertips by up to 77 percent, the article said.
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