True or False: Residual moisture on hands after hand washing does not affect bacterial transfer.

The statement is false because residual moisture on hands after washing can significantly affect bacterial transfer. When hands are not thoroughly dried, moisture creates an environment that can promote bacterial growth and transfer. Wet or damp hands can facilitate the movement of bacteria, allowing them to cling to surfaces and be easily transmitted to objects or individuals that are touched afterward. Additionally, it has been shown that bacteria can be more easily transferred from wet or moist skin than from dry skin, making proper drying an important step in hand hygiene. Drying hands effectively minimizes the risk of spreading harmful microorganisms, making a clear case against the notion that residual moisture does not impact bacterial transfer.