Abstract
Hand Sanitizer Alert
Highlights
To reduce infections in healthcare settings, alcohol-based hand sanitizers are recommended as a component
Some products marketed to the public as antimicrobial hand sanitizers are not effective in reducing bacterial counts on hands
(4 trials), 40% ethanol (5 trials), commercial gels with active ingredients of either 40% or 62% ethanol (9 trials each), and commercial 40% gel supplemented to 62% (5 trials)
Summary
To the Editor: Community-based epidemiologic studies have shown beneficial effects of hand sanitizers. Some products marketed to the public as antimicrobial hand sanitizers are not effective in reducing bacterial counts on hands. Five hand hygiene treatments were compared: tap water (4 trials), 40% ethanol (5 trials), commercial gels with active ingredients of either 40% or 62% ethanol (9 trials each), and commercial 40% gel supplemented to 62% (5 trials). The 40% gel supplemented with ethanol to a final concentration of 62% reduced the mean CFU by 90%, a level of reduction similar to that of the 62% ethanol gel. Qualitative colony assessment suggested 40% gel and 40% ethanol were as effective as 62% gel against fungi; in contrast, bacterial CFU tended to show little change or increases. Alerted to check the alcohol concentration in hand sanitizers because substandard products may be marketed to the public
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