Introduction:
Keeping proper hand hygiene is one of the basic methods to reduce the risk of spreading infections and opportunistic, pathogenic microorganisms showing increased resistance to commonly used antibiotics. Therefore, a study was conducted to determine the extent of bacterial contamination of hands.

Material and Methods:
The study on the cleanliness of hands was conducted among primary school students. Material consisted of children’s fingerprints taken on sterile culture media, both before and after hand washing. At the same time, a questionnaire survey was carried out, taking into account socio-demographic variables.

Results:
The study has shown different level of bacterial contamination on students’ hands. The hands of boys were twice as contaminated as the hands of girls.

Conclusions:
Most of the identified bacteria represented the natural microflora of the skin. Opportunistic bacteria were also found to be frequent. Hence, it seems advisable to take actions to raise public awareness of the dangers related to inadequate hygiene and to promote appropriate habits.