(1) That one does not have to careful - That what is said in Shas, the Gemara, Berachos 51, to juxtapose the netilas yadayim to the meal. (that) One should not occupy oneself between them with business matters or (unrelated) actions that distract his attention. (He should avoid) a lot of conversation that brings him to the point of distraction (even if they involve words of d’vrei Torah). *** But if sits quietly and does nothing meanwhile between them (the brachas of “al netilas yadayim” and “hamotzi”) even if it is a long time (i.e. enough time to walk about 40 feet), or, even if he talks or whispers a little, since the table is set before him and he intends to eat immediately, it is not considered a loss of train of thought, (i.e. a loss of focus or distraction).

(2) And some say you should be careful - Even when he is alone. And even more so, he should not talk between washing and hamotzi, even talking a little bit or talking words of d’vrei Torah for one has to be concerned about an interruption/hefsek. And he has to watch himself. (However) for things that are needed for the meal, it is permitted to interrupt for any reason (e.g., asking to pass the salt so one can dip the bread after hamotzi).

(6) Accidental Interruption - and not a casual juxtaposition. And if so, the author of the Shulchan Aruch says that it is better to be careful to juxtapose washing with the meal. And to be careful not to linger between them like this. And the primary law is that this is the preferential way of performing the mitzvah. After the fact, even if there was a long gap or an interruption, he does not have to go back and wash as long as he was not distracted (i.e., loss his concentration) and he was careful to guard his hands (from becoming dirty or impure).