A routine hand wash procedure uses plain soap to remove what types of bacteria?

The procedure of routine hand washing with plain soap is primarily designed to remove transient bacteria from the skin. Transient bacteria are those that are temporarily present on the skin's surface, often acquired through contact with contaminated surfaces or people. They are usually more easily removed by washing with soap and water.

While resistant bacteria and their characteristics may also be relevant in discussions about infection control, the primary function of plain soap during a routine hand wash is to target transient bacteria, which can include a variety of pathogens that may be on the hands after normal daily activities. The key distinction is that transient bacteria are often readily removable through proper hygiene practices, including effective hand washing.

In contrast, the other terms mentioned, such as "solid," "dormant," "pathogenic," and "non-pathogenic" bacteria, do not specifically refer to the types of microorganisms typically targeted by routine hand washing. Rather, they represent broader classifications that may not accurately apply to the immediate context of hand hygiene practices.