Which term refers to the 'degerning' of the hands?

The correct term for the 'degerning' of the hands is disinfecting. Disinfecting refers to the process of using chemical agents to eliminate or reduce harmful microorganisms on surfaces, including the skin. In the context of hand hygiene, disinfecting typically involves the use of alcohol-based hand sanitizers or other disinfectants that effectively kill germs and reduce the risk of infection.

While washing and sanitizing are related to hand hygiene, they do not specifically capture the notion of 'degerning.' Washing pertains to removing dirt and impurities primarily through the action of soap and water, while sanitizing usually refers to processes that lower the number of germs to a safe level, but may not eliminate them entirely. Scrubbing can refer to a physical method of cleaning, often involving friction to remove dirt, but it does not encompass the broader chemical action of disinfecting. Therefore, disinfecting is the most accurate term for the specific action described.