Many hygiene specialists now recommend shortened rubbing-in time of just 15 seconds – instead of the usual 30 seconds. Studies suggest that this shorter version can achieve comparable effectiveness under certain conditions.^[1][2]

The shortened duration is intended to increase compliance—that is, more motivation to disinfect hands when necessary. For this reason, the 15-second rule has been actively promoted in several hygiene campaigns.

But be careful: The shorter duration in no way absolves the need for proper technique! Thorough wetting of the hands and the correct dosage of disinfectant remain crucial.

Skilled technique

With a rubbing time of 15 seconds, the technique must be even more precise. Therefore, it is essential to train a technique that complete disinfection in such a short time.

Adequate dosagecrowd

Even with a shortened application, the following applies: The hands should be kept in contact with the skin during the entire declared exposure time – usually 30 seconds – remain wet. This requires a sufficient dosage.

Conclusion → In practice, the rubbing can be stopped after 15 seconds. However, with a sufficient dosage, the hands should remain wet for another 15 seconds.^[3]

Sources:

[1] Pires D, Soule H, Bellissimo-Rodrigues F, Gayet-Ageron A, Pittet D.: “Hand Hygiene With Alcohol-Based Hand Rub: 5 How Long Is Long Enough?” (2017)
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28264743

[2] Kramer A, Pittet D, Klasinc R, Krebs S, Koburger T, Fusch C, Assadian O: “Shortening the application time of alcohol-based hand rubs to 15 seconds may improve the frequency of hand antisepsis actions in a neonatal intensive care unit (2017)
https://doi.org/10.1017/ice.2017.217

[3] Communication from the Disinfectants Commission in the VAH: “Shortening the exposure time of hygienic hand disinfection to 15 seconds” (2019)
https://vah-online.de/files/download/vah-mitteilungen/121_123_VAH_HM_7-8_19.pdf