Which statement regarding surgical hand antisepsis is NOT correct?

The reasoning behind selecting the statement regarding the use of a brush or sponge is not correct because current guidelines for surgical hand antisepsis emphasize that the use of a brush or sponge is not mandatory and, in some cases, may even be discouraged. This is primarily because the mechanical action of scrubbing with a brush can cause abrasions on the skin, which may lead to a higher risk of infection or the introduction of bacteria into a sterile field.

Modern practices advocate for techniques that minimize skin irritation and optimize the efficacy of the antiseptics used. This means that surgical hand hygiene can often be achieved effectively with just the use of an antimicrobial soap and a thorough scrubbing of hands and forearms, or through the proper application of an alcohol-based hand rub once the hands are clean.

In contrast, the other statements involve accepted practices. The effectiveness of antimicrobial counts being similar for both 5-minute and 10-minute scrubs is supported by studies showing that prolonged scrubbing does not significantly increase the efficacy of microbial reduction beyond a certain point. The reference to surgical hand antisepsis involving antimicrobial soap and water or a two-stage antisepsis approach aligns with recommended protocols. Finally, the practice of handwashing followed by the use of an alcohol-based rub is recognized as an