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Hand sanitizer is a liquid or gel generally used to decreaseinfectious agents on the hands. Formulations of the alcohol-based type arepreferable to hand washing with soap and water in most situations in thehealthcare setting. It is generally more effective at killing microorganismsand better tolerated than soap and water. Hand washing should still be carriedout if contamination can be seen or following the use of the toilet. Thegeneral use of non-alcohol based versions has no recommendations. Outside thehealth care setting, hand washing is generally preferred