What is the main purpose of an antiseptic handwash?

The primary purpose of an antiseptic handwash is to reduce transient bacteria on the skin. This type of handwashing involves using products that contain antimicrobial agents, which actively kill or inhibit the growth of bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens present on the hands. This is particularly important in healthcare settings, including dental hygiene, where minimizing the risk of infection is critical.

While removing dirt and debris is important for overall hand hygiene, the focus of an antiseptic handwash goes beyond mere cleanliness to specifically target pathogenic microorganisms. Disinfecting surgical instruments is a separate process that involves specialized cleaning solutions and methods, and drying hands quickly, while it can be a part of good hand hygiene practices, is not a main objective of antiseptic handwashing. Thus, the emphasis on reducing transient bacteria accurately captures the essential function of an antiseptic handwash in promoting infection control.