California Cosmetology Written ExamSafety and Infection ControlEasy
Before beginning a manicure service, a technician washes her hands with soap and warm water. To achieve effective hand hygiene, she should scrub her hands for a minimum of how long?
- A20 seconds
- B10 seconds
- C60 seconds
- D5 seconds
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. 20 seconds
Proper handwashing technique requires scrubbing with soap for at least 20 seconds (about the time it takes to sing 'Happy Birthday' twice) to adequately reduce microorganisms on the skin before and after client services.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. Wrong—still insufficient time for effective hand hygiene.
- C. Wrong—longer than required; 20 seconds is sufficient.
- D. Wrong—too short to effectively remove microorganisms.
Handwashing Technique
Proper hand hygiene requires washing with soap and water and scrubbing all surfaces of the hands for at least 20 seconds.
- Wet hands, apply soap, scrub 20+ seconds
- Include between fingers and under nails
- Rinse and dry with clean towel
- Perform before and after every client
Memory trick: 20 seconds scrub = sing Happy Birthday twice while washing