Hand sanitizer is okay to take along in the car (or for women, a purse). Remember that it doesn’t decrease a germ load instantly, though. It takes a few minutes. The stuff is largely inappropriate in hospitals, IMO. Disgusting to see young slobs with druggie tattoos and no gloves using the stuff between patients.
I'm not sure you're correct about the time frame. Isopropyl alcohol in Purell and other hand sanitizers work immediately. Why do you think medical people rub your arm or butt with isopropyl and almost immediately give you an injection? THE only reason they hesitate or wipe the area with a swab is because if the alcohol is still on your flesh and hasn't evaporated completely when the needle penetrates - just damn ouch!
My ex-wife is a LVN. She has told me the same thing.