In which situation is handwashing with soap and water preferred over antiseptic gel?

Handwashing with soap and water is preferred when hands are visibly dirty. This is because soap and water can effectively remove dirt, grime, and organic matter that antiseptic gels may not be able to clean adequately. Antiseptic gels are convenient and effective for reducing microorganisms on hands when they are not visibly soiled, but they do not provide the same level of cleanliness as thorough washing with soap and water, especially in cases where visible debris is present.

In situations involving sterile equipment, meal preparation, or patient assessments, while hand hygiene is always crucial, the presence of visible dirt makes soap and water the more appropriate choice to ensure hands are thoroughly clean. Simply using antiseptic gel would not adequately address the contaminants that may be present due to visible dirt. Thus, when it comes to effective hand hygiene, the condition of the hands is a key factor in determining the best method.