Certification in Infection Prevention and Control (CIC) Practice Exam 2025 - Free CIC Practice Questions and Study Guide

Question: 1 / 400

What percentage of alcohol in hand sanitizer is necessary to be effective?

50% alcohol.

60% alcohol.

70% alcohol.

75% alcohol.

The correct response emphasizes that an effective hand sanitizer typically contains a minimum of 60% to 70% alcohol. The option indicating 75% alcohol is optimal because it falls within this effective range and is frequently recommended by health organizations such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Alcohol concentrations within this range effectively disrupt the membranes of germs, including bacteria and viruses, thereby leading to their inactivation.

While a lower concentration, such as 50% or even 60%, may not provide sufficient efficacy against certain pathogens, especially in clinical settings, the higher concentration of 75% ensures greater antimicrobial activity and effectiveness. This increased concentration helps ensure that the sanitizer can penetrate the cell walls of pathogens more thoroughly, ultimately leading to better disinfection outcomes.

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