What should never be used to clean hands after contact with a patient who has C-Diff?

The use of alcohol-based hand sanitizers after contact with a patient who has Clostridium difficile (C-diff) is not recommended because this organism produces spores that are not effectively killed by alcohol. C-diff can cause severe gastrointestinal issues, and its spores are resilient, allowing them to survive on surfaces and in the environment. When caring for a patient with C-diff, proper hand hygiene is crucial to prevent the spread of the bacteria.

The most effective method for cleaning hands in this scenario is washing with soap and water. This physical action helps to remove the spores from the hands, unlike alcohol-based sanitizers, which don't provide the same level of cleaning. Antibacterial wipes may also lack effectiveness against such spores, as they are designed for contact with bacteria but not necessarily for the spore-forming type like C-diff. Paper towels do not have a cleansing action and are simply used for drying hands after washing.