Wash Hands, Disinfect Hands, or Don't Touch? Which, When, and Why?

Ehrenkranz,1 in an article in Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology, Bland Soap Handwash or Hand Antisepsis? The Pressing Need for Clarity, rightly emphasized the need for clarity when speaking or writing, so that optimal understanding is possible. It is impossible to comprehend another person's statements and make comparisons unless the terms used are accurately and consistently defined. This becomes obvious when the literature on handwashing and hand disinfection is critically evaluated. What are we trying to do? What are we trying to explain? Are we trying to prevent cross-contamination or cross-infection? Are we trying to prevent infection or cross-infection? Are we trying to protect staff or patients? Are we trying to clean hands? Are we trying to disinfect hands?