Today, we celebrate the importance of a simple yet vital habit—PROPER HANDWASHING. Our hands encounter countless bacteria daily— may it be when touching door handles, scrolling on your phone, grocery shopping, or handling food—but is using hand sanitizer alone enough in keeping them clean?
Our Experiment:
- Unwashed vs. Washed Hands: One hand was left unwashed by covering with a glove, while the other was thoroughly washed with soap and water for 20 seconds.
- Equal Sanitizer Application: Both hands were sanitized equally.
- Bacteria Levels Measured with CytoQuant: Using CytoQuant, a mobile flow cytometer, we were able to measure the live bacteria on each hand in just 30 seconds.
The Results Are Clear: After sanitizing, the unwashed hand had significantly more live bacteria than the washed hand.
What This Means: Proper handwashing BEFORE applying sanitizer is crucial. It drastically reduces harmful bacteria that can cause foodborne illnesses and other diseases.
Let's Make a Difference This Global Handwashing Day!
- Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
- Remember that sanitizer is a helpful addition, but not a replacement for handwashing.
- Clean Hands. Save Lives: Together, we can spread the message of the importance of proper hand hygiene. Let's make every day a handwashing day!
#GlobalHandwashingDay #ProperHandwashing #Glenwood #IFSA #FSTM
