How long should alcohol be applied before it dries?

The correct duration for applying alcohol before it dries is important in clinical settings to ensure proper disinfection and to minimize the risk of contamination. Allowing alcohol to remain on the skin or surface for one minute is recommended for optimal effectiveness. This duration ensures that the alcohol has sufficient time to kill bacteria and other pathogens present.

Alcohol generally requires contact time to effectively disrupt cellular membranes and denature proteins of the microorganisms. By allowing the alcohol to sit for a minute, the efficacy of the disinfecting process is maximized. Shorter application times may not allow for thorough disinfection, potentially leaving harmful organisms intact. Therefore, the choice of one minute aligns with best practice recommendations for disinfection protocols in healthcare environments.