Which of these is NOT included in the hand hygiene process prior to garbing?

The hand hygiene process prior to garbing is crucial in maintaining aseptic conditions in a sterile compounding environment. The correct choice highlights that drying hands with a cloth towel is not part of the recommended procedure.

In this context, the standard protocol involves washing hands thoroughly with soap and water or using an alcohol-based hand rub to reduce microbial load. Washing hands for a minimum of 30 seconds ensures that any contaminants are effectively removed. Additionally, washing up to the elbow is often recommended to ensure that arms free of contaminants, as pathogens can also reside on the skin above the wrists.

Using a cloth towel to dry hands is discouraged in sterile environments because it can introduce new contaminants. Instead, single-use paper towels or air drying methods are favored to minimize the risk of recontamination of the hands after washing. Thus, the focus on minimizing potential sources of contamination informs why drying hands with a cloth towel is not included in the hand hygiene process prior to garbing.