Antiseptic Hand Washing Research Articles

Inovasi Bersih: Pelatihan Pembuatan Sabun Cuci Tangan Ekstrak Sereh Wangi (Citronella) Bersama Karang Taruna IKRIMA Gondangrejo Karanganyar

Karang Taruna (IKRIMA) plays an active role in increasing productivity by participating in a training program for making natural antiseptic hand washing soap made from citronella. The choice of citronella as the main ingredient is based on its high economic value and natural properties. Additionally, citronella can inhibit the growth of bacteria, viruses, and fungi, making it an ideal choice for hand hygiene products. IKRIMA members have taken part in a series of comprehensive training regarding the manufacture of antiseptic hand washing soap. This activity includes product manufacturing and packaging practices. IKRIMA can produce hand washing soap that meets the desired quality standards, both in terms of antiseptic effectiveness as well as safety and comfort for users. Making antiseptic hand washing soap is one of the positive activities that encourages IKRIMA members to continue learning and developing. Apart from improving skills and knowledge, this activity also provides economic benefits for them and the surrounding community through the sale of the products produced.

Comparative Recovery of Serratia marcescens Using Bags versus Gloves as Described in ASTM E1174-21 Health Care Personnel Handwash Method.

The ASTM E1174-21 Health Care Personnel Handwash method is prescribed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to demonstrate the efficacy of antiseptic handwashing products. The standardized method allows for marker bacteria to be collected from the hands by using either a bag or a glove. Two recent studies utilizing the different collection methods testing the same product showed substantial differences in results. We sponsored two independent studies to compare the bag and glove collection methods following contamination with Serratia marcescens. Overall, there was no difference between collection methods for bacteria recovered (P = 0.603). The distribution of recovery for the bag method was slightly less variable than for the glove method. Statistical differences were observed within each lab based on the collection day. The day-to-day variability is critical to consider for future multiple-day studies. Additionally, hand size appears to impact recovery, especially for the glove method, with both small and medium hand sizes resulting in higher recovery than large and extralarge hand sizes (P = 0.015), whereas hand size did not impact recovery with the bag method (P = 0.315). While it appears that both the bag and glove methods can be used, our findings suggest that gloves may not be the best option for subjects with large to extra-large hands. Additional work looking at bacterial recovery following product treatment is warranted to understand the impact of large hands in the bag versus glove recovery method. IMPORTANCE Antiseptic hand wash products are evaluated using the standard ASTM E1174-21 to demonstrate their antibacterial efficacy. Often products are tested at multiple labs, and the need to understand variables that may play a role in the outcome of the study is important. This work allows us to evaluate the impact that the two collection methods, bags and gloves, have on bacteria recovery. If differences are observed, standardization to one method may be critical to ensure similar test results when planning studies at multiple labs.

Perbandingan Aktivitas Antibakteri Berbagai Produk Hand Sanitizer terhadap Escherichia coli dan Staphylococcus aureus In Vitro

Background: Hand hygiene is very important because human hands are often contaminated with microorganisms, so that it becomes an intermediary for the entry of disease-causing microorganisms into the body, especially Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. The use of hand sanitizer has shown an increase in society. Hand sanitizers are available with various types of packaging, dosage forms, variations in the composition of active ingredients and their carriers at quite competitive prices.Objective: To determine the antibacterial effect of various hand sanitizers available in the market and their comparison with antiseptic handwash soap.Methods: Antibacterial effectiveness test using the Kirby Bauer method by measuring the diameter of the clear zone produced on Muller Hinton media by diffusion discs tested with four hand sanitizer products available in the market compared with antiseptic hand soap as positive control and akuades as negative control.Results: Various hand sanitizer products containing 70% alcohol showed moderate to strong inhibition against E. coli and S.aureus. Analysis of differences in the activities of various hand sanitizer products using the KruskalWallis non-parametric method showed a difference with p= 0.003 against E. coli and p=0.002 against S.aureus. Alcohol denatures bacterial proteins so that it interferes with the metabolic processes of bacterial cells which causes bacterial cell death.Conclusion: Hand sanitizer is effectively used to inhibit the growth of E. coli and S.aureus bacteria.

Parkia biglobosa (Jacq.) Benth. Leaf Extract as an Antimicrobial Agent in Antiseptic Handwash Liquid Soap

Parkia biglobosa (Jacq.) Benth. Leaf Extract as an Antimicrobial Agent in Antiseptic Handwash Liquid Soap

Hand washing in operating room: a procedural comparison


 BACKGROUND Hand washing has been considered a measure of personal hygiene for centuries and it is known that an improper hand hygiene by healthcare workers is responsible for about 40% of nosocomial infections. Therefore, surgical hand preparation is a critical element for healthcare safety in order to reduce microbial contamination of surgical wound in case of non detected break of the gloves. The aim of our study is to evaluate the efficacy three antiseptics: Povi-iodine scrub; EPG (Ethanol, Hydrogen Peroxide, Glycerol, recommended by WHO), and common marseille soap type in a liquid formulation.
 METHODS It was designed a randomized, double-blind, single-center study conducted in the University Hospital of Messina, from January to June 2013. We asked operators to put the fingertips of their right hand (if not left-handed) for one minute on the PCA medium, before washing with the three types of antiseptics, and after washing and drying. Drying was made using sterile gauzes or disposable wipes. Then, we measured the number of colony forming units per mL (CFU/mL) and calculated the percentage of microbial load reduction.
 RESULTS 211 samples have been considered for statistical analysis: in 42 samples, in fact, initial microbial load was lower than after washing. Washing with EPG reduced CFU/ml from a mean of 38,9 to 4,1 (86,5% reduction), washing with povi-iodine scrub from 59,55 to 12,9 (75,9% reduction) and washing with Marseille soap from 47,26 to 12,7 (64,3% reduction).
 CONCLUSIONS Our study shows that washing with EPG has superior efficacy in CFU reduction. Antiseptic hand washing, however, cannot be considered the only measure to reduce infections: the anomaly of some results (initial microbial load lower than after washing) demonstrates that drying is an essential phase in the presurgical preparation. Therefore, hand hygiene must be part of a more complex strategy of surveillance and control of nosocomial infections

The practice of hand hygiene in the maternities of the public hospitals of Lubumbashi

Introduction: The objective of this study was to evaluate the practice of hand hygiene in the maternities of the public hospitals of Lubumbashi. Method and techniques: We carried out a cross-sectional descriptive study in which the population consisted on the one hand of the technical rooms of the maternity hospitals and the operating rooms for cesarean sections and on the other hand the nurses responsible for these maternities. The observation technique using an observation guide of the WHO model allowed us to collect the data. Results: Hand hygiene was not properly carried out in the maternity wards of Lubumbashi's public hospitals. Most of the prerequisites before hand washing and hydro-alcoholic hand rubbing were not respected, the prerequisites for surgical hand washing were observed only at 21.4%:e wearing of short-sleeved clothing (43.0%),absence of jewelry (78.6%), short nails without varnish and false nails (50.0%). In the absence of hydroalcoholic solution (SHA) (71.4%) for the friction, they used denatured alcohol (28.6%). The duration of soaping and friction was in an interval between 11 to 20 seconds or 42.9% and that of hygienic hand washing was observed at 28.6%. The duration of surgical and antiseptic hand washing was 21 to 40 seconds to 35.7%. Only 21.4% of the departments surveyed had used the broad-spectrum antiseptic foaming solution, no structure had a sterile disposable brush for hygienic and surgical hand washing, 2/14 departments surveyed had sterile disposable towels, the water used had not undergone bacteriological control and only one service, ie 7.1%, which had non-manually operated bins. Conclusion: Hand hygiene is not properly carried out in maternity hospitals in Lubumbashi's public hospitals, due to a lack of equipment and knowledge on this practice, equipment must be provided and staff trained in hand hygiene.

Outbreak of Neonatal Staphylococcal Scalded Skin Syndrome in a Maternal Unit

Objective: Staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome (SSSS) is a relatively rare superficial blistering skin disease caused by exfoliating toxins produced by Staphylococcus aureus. We experienced a 3-month outbreak of neonatal SSSS in a maternal unit. Methods: The medical records of newborns who were diagnosed with SSSS were retrospectively reviewed. Results: Eleven newborns with SSSS were transferred to our hospital between January and March 2019. The median age of the newborns was 18.0 (11.0-22.5) days. Of the 11 newborns, 2 (18%) showed the generalized type of SSSS, 4 (36%) the intermediate type, and 5 (45%) the abortive type. S. aureus was isolated in 10 of the newborns and found to be methicillin-resistant in 9 cases. All the newborns were treated with intravenous cefazolin, and two newborns with the generalized type were also treated with clindamycin. The median duration of antibiotic use is 8 (6-14) days. All the newborns responded well to antibiotics and were discharged without complications. Conclusion: We recently experienced an outbreak of neonatal SSSS. To manage problems associated with such an outbreak, periodic monitoring is required, along with guidelines for infection control, such as thorough infection education, isolation of infected newborns, and antiseptic handwashing.

Number of Bacterial Colonies After Washing Hands with Antiseptic Soap and Regular Soap: A Study on Department of Health Analyst Students in Poltekkes Kemenkes Pontianak

Hand washing is a healthy activity carried out by many parties. Getting used to wash your hands properly will increase health. The soap on the market is plain hand washing soap and antiseptic handwashing soap. The second type is claimed to be more effective in reducing the amount of bacterial contamination than plain soap because it contains antimicrobial ingredients to increase product sales. This study aims to determine the differences in the number of bacterial colonies on the palms of students who wash their hands with antiseptic soap and plain soap among students of Analyst Department of Pontianak Health Polytechnic, Minister of Health. This research was quasi-experimental, with 24 respondents. Each respondent was asked to wash hands properly twice, the first with plain soap that does not contain an antiseptic (A) and the second with soap containing antiseptic (B). After examining the number of bacteria on the respondent’s thumb, the average number of bacterial colonies got in treatments A and B was 45,5 and 38,8 CFU, respectively. Mann-Whitney U statistical test results got a probability value of 0.391> 0.05, which means there is no difference in the number of bacterial colonies in the palms that washing hands with plain soap and with antiseptic soap. This study revealed the fact that the number of bacterial colonies in the group that washed hands with antiseptic soap was lower than those who washed their hands with ordinary soap.

Antimicrobial Herbal Soap Formulation

Nosocomial infection has been recognized as a crucial issue in the outcome of hospital care, with significant morbidity and mortality results. The primary routes of infection transmission to patients are the hands of health-care workers. This also evokes utilization of antiseptics for hand-washing purposes. Many of the antiseptics commercially available are sanitizers dependent on alcohol that have certain shortcomings or harmful effects. The regular use can cause dermal irritation. The aim of the present study was to formulate an herbal hand-wash using leave extracts of Terminalia catappa, fruits of Curcuma longa, and rinds of Garcinia indica. Using the Disc diffusion process, the antibiotic activity against skin pathogens was evaluated, and results were compared with commercial antimicrobial hand-wash. The results showed that the herbal hand-wash was more effective against Bacillus subtilis and Escherichia coli than the commercially available antiseptic hand-wash. The effectiveness of herbal hand-wash was analysed using the Glove Juice method, which revealed that herbal hand-wash is effective in reducing pathogenic microbes present on the hands better than commercial hand-wash. These plant extracts can therefore be used for formulating herbal hand-wash to prevent hand borne microbial infections.

Nursing students' knowledge on the management of peripheral venous catheters at Wollega University.

BackgroundAdherence to the best standards of nursing practice is the fundamental principle to improve patient outcome and prevent nursing procedure related-infections. A peripheral venous catheter (PVC) is the most common invasive procedure performed in nursing care. Its poor performance could expose patients to bloodstream-related infections. The present study aimed to assess post-basic nursing students’ knowledge of evidence-based guidelines on the management of peripheral venous catheters.MethodsA cross-sectional study design was conducted on May 01–03, 2019, using a convenient sample 239 among post-basic nursing students in Wollega University.ResultsThe study result showed that nursing students’ had a low mean (4.1±1.52) of knowledge about PVC procedure management. Only 41% of the respondents have adhered to recommendations of CDC guidelines. Among the provided options of the items, none achieved 100% correct answers. The majority of nursing students (77%) responded that antiseptic handwashing is always performed before insertion of PVCs. Meanwhile, few students (5%) correctly answered that the infusion set is recommended to be removed after 96 hours when neither lipids nor blood products are administered. In multivariable regression analysis, nursing students who had received training (AOR = 2.9, 95% CI (1.6, 5.1)) and who were younger (AOR = 2.4, 95% CI (1.3, 4.3)) significantly associated with a higher score of knowledge.ConclusionsThis study finding shows that an overall level of knowledge of post-basic nursing students is inadequate. Measurements such as an increase in the provision of adequate training by nurses educators based on evidence-based guidelines could improve the post-basic nursing students’ knowledge.

Transmission Routes and Infection Control of Novel Coronavirus-2019 in Dental Clinics – A Review

The novel Coronavirus (nCoV-19) pandemic began in Wuhan, China with Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) in December, 2019. The virus transmitted from China to other countries by traveling of the infected individuals. The number of infected populations with Coronavirus is increasing day by day with an increased mortality rate. The signs and symptoms of the disease include fever, non-productive cough, dyspnea, and fatigue. The transmission routes of the virus include respiratory secretions or droplet infection and direct contact with the infected person. Dentists are a group of professionals that are highly exposed to infectious diseases. The nCoV-19 is transmitted from patient to dentist and dentist to patient mainly through aerosol and splatter produced by the dental procedure and saliva of an infected person. To avoid transmission of the virus from patient to dentist and from dentist to other patients, screening tests should be done at dental setups. The use of gloves, face shields, masks, gowns, and antiseptic handwash are mandatory for the dentist. Awareness programs should be conducted to prevent further transmission of the disease. We searched Google, Google Scholar, WHO website for coronavirus and National Institute of Health website (nih.org.pk) for relevant literature by using various MeSH terms including ‘2019-nCoV’, ‘transmission of 2019-nCoV in dental clinics’, ‘dentistry and COVID-19’ and ‘infection control’, etcKey words: COVID-19, Dental clinics, Infection control, Transmission

Effectiveness of Antiseptic soap hand washing on reduction of Bacteriological growth among B. Sc. Nursing Students posted in Medical Ward

Hands are regarded as a major source of transmitting infection. It has been estimated that there are not less than 10000 organisms per cm2 of normal skin. This includes both nonpathogenic resident flora as well as pathogenic transient flora. It is well known that hand hygiene is a crucial factor in the control of health care-acquired infections. A pre-experimental study to assess the effectiveness of antiseptic soap hand washing on reduction of bacteriological growth before and after the nursing procedure among B.sc nursing students posted in medical ward of Dr. BRAM Hospital, Raipur (C.G).To assess the bacterial growth before and after routine patient care through swab culture method among B.Sc. nursing students. Objective for the study were to assess the effectiveness of hand washing with Antiseptic soap hand washing in reducing bacterial growth among B.Sc. nursing students and to associate the level of bacteriological growth of the groups with selected sociodemographic variables. One group pre-test post-test design is utilized to achieve the stated objectives. Purposive sampling technique was used for the present study. The sample size was 40 B.Sc. nursing students those who are working in medical ward. The tool used for data collection consisted of self structured questionnaire for demographic data and Rating scale. The findings revealed that soap and water hand washing was effective in reducing the level of bacteriological growth in B.Sc. nursing students working in medical ward. The finding of association between level of bacteriological growth with socio demographic variables reveals that Age group (χ2=3.63) which is Not significant at 0.05 levels of significance whereas for Education before nursing training, (χ2=0.15), Marital status (χ2= 0.05), Sources of information (χ2=1.84), which are not significant at 0.05 level of significance.

Situations Leading to Reduced Effectiveness of Current Hand Hygiene against Infectious Mucus from Influenza Virus-Infected Patients.

Both antiseptic hand rubbing (AHR) using ethanol-based disinfectants (EBDs) and antiseptic hand washing (AHW) are important means of infection control to prevent seasonal influenza A virus (IAV) outbreaks. However, previous reports suggest a reduced efficacy of ethanol disinfection against pathogens in mucus. We aimed to elucidate the situations and mechanisms underlying the reduced efficacy of EBDs against IAV in infectious mucus. We evaluated IAV inactivation and ethanol concentration change using IAV-infected patients' mucus (sputum). Additionally, AHR and AHW effectiveness against infectious mucus adhering to the hands and fingers was evaluated in 10 volunteers. Our clinical study showed that EBD effectiveness against IAV in mucus was extremely reduced compared to IAV in saline. IAV in mucus remained active despite 120 s of AHR; however, IAV in saline was completely inactivated within 30 s. Due to the low rate of diffusion/convection because of the physical properties of mucus as a hydrogel, the time required for the ethanol concentration to reach an IAV inactivation level and thus for EBDs to completely inactivate IAV was approximately eight times longer in mucus than in saline. On the other hand, AHR inactivated IAV in mucus within 30 s when the mucus dried completely because the hydrogel characteristics were lost. Additionally, AHW rapidly inactivated IAV. Until infectious mucus has completely dried, infectious IAV can remain on the hands and fingers, even after appropriate AHR using EBD, thereby increasing the risk of IAV transmission. We clarified the ineffectiveness of EBD use against IAV in infectious mucus.IMPORTANCE Antiseptic hand rubbing (AHR) and antiseptic hand washing (AHW) are important to prevent the spread of influenza A virus (IAV). This study elucidated the situations/mechanisms underlying the reduced efficacy of AHR against infectious mucus derived from IAV-infected individuals and indicated the weaknesses of the current hand hygiene regimens. Due to the low rate of diffusion/convection because of the physical properties of mucus as a hydrogel, the efficacy of AHR using ethanol-based disinfectant against mucus is greatly reduced until infectious mucus adhering to the hands/fingers has completely dried. If there is insufficient time before treating the next patient (i.e., if the infectious mucus is not completely dry), medical staff should be aware that effectiveness of AHR is reduced. Since AHW is effective against both dry and nondry infectious mucus, AHW should be adopted to compensate for these weaknesses of AHR.

Hospital environment as a reservoir for cross transmission: cleaning and disinfection procedures.

Healthcare associated infections (HAIs) represent a serious problem for public health, as they increase the morbidity and mortality rates, present a relevant financial burden, and significantly contribute to the antimicrobial resistance. The aim of this review was to investigate the literature about HAIs, with particular reference to hospital environments and the role of cleaning and disinfection procedures. Hospital environments are an essential reservoir for HAIs cross transmission, and the application of appropriate procedures related to hand hygiene and disinfection/sterilization of surfaces and instruments remain key strategies for controlling HAIs. Different procedures, based on the risk associated with the healthcare procedure, are recommended for hand hygiene: washing with soap and water, antiseptic rubbing with alcohol-based disinfectants, antiseptic and surgical hand washing. Environmental surfaces can be treated with different products, and the mostly used are chlorine-based and polyphenolic disinfectant. The reprocessing of instruments is related to their use according to the Spaulding's classification. In addition, scientific evidence demonstrated the great relevance of the "bundles" (small set of practices performed together) in controlling HAIs. Research agenda should include the improvement of well-known effective preventive procedures and the development of new bundles devoted to high-risk procedures and specific microorganisms.

Pemanfaatan Asap Cair dari Cangkang Kelapa Sawit sebagai Bahan Antiseptik Pembersih Tangan

Research on used Of wood vinegar from palm oil shell as hand sanitizer antiseptic has been done . Liquid smoke from dry destilate proces at 200-300 0 C has 9,03 percent yield and an average pH of 3,8 . From the analysis of the chemical constituents and different distillation temperatures produced different compounds and can be grouped in group alcohol, phenol and acetic acid. Results of analysis of liquid smoke as an antiseptic hand wash with distilled treatment at 80-160 0 C temperature for all treatments did not have the power of E. coli inhibitory to bacteria, salmonella and staphilococus aureus. Distillation at 160-180 0 C in the ratio of liquid smoke and alcohol (40: 60) has the ability to average power resistor 8 (medium category) of bacteria Staphilococus. a ureus and distilled at a temperature of 180-200 0 C has the ability to average power resistor 8 (medium category) of the type of salmonella bacteria, and for the purification of sedimentation and filtration by comparison liquid smoke: alcohol (50:50) has the ability to average power resistor 8 (medium category) against bacterial strains staphilococus aureus and comparison of liquid smoke and alhohol (60:40) has the ability to average power resistor 7 (medium category) to staphilococus.aureus bacteria and original liquid smoke without purification treatment of the inhibition of bacteria has the ability to average 16.5 (high category) on E. coli bacteria with the ability of the inhibition on average 13 (high category) of the salmonella bacteria and has the ability to the average inhibition of 10.5 (high category) of the Stapohilococus aureus bacteria.

Human head transplantation. Where do we stand and a call to arms.

Human head transplantation. Where do we stand and a call to arms.

Reproductive implications of human head transplantation.

Sir, I read with enthusiasm the manuscript by neurosurgeons Ren and Canavero on his progress toward the first human head transplantation procedure.[1] Certainly, history has demonstrated that many “quantum leaps” in medicine challenged the accepted norms at the time. However, I would suggest that no prior “quantum leap” in medicine (e.g., “antiseptic handwashing, balloon angioplasty”) compares to the ethical concerns that are coupled with human head transplantation.[1] Head transplantation may 1 day serve as a last resort treatment option when traditional medicine fails; however, I contend that this procedure also opens the door for numerous quandaries pertaining to reproductive ethics. It would be beneficial for the neurosurgical community to discuss human head transplantation in the context of reproductive ethics such that certain inquiries about the procedure may be realized, discussed, and deciphered prior to making the first incision. The surgical procedure of resecting a living head and relocating it onto a cadaveric donor body will provide the recipient with the donor's body including their reproductive organs. To be clear, I will consider the head as the definition of human identification or personhood. Therefore, I will define the “recipient” as the individual whose head is being transplanted and the “donor” as the individual who is donating their body. First, recipients can never truly reproduce; rather, the donor body will reproduce the action of the recipient. This begs the question – is it ethical for the recipient to use the donor's reproductive organs to have a child when the donor is technically deceased? Assuredly, it would be challenging for the recipient to inform the “child” that the child's natural mother or father died prior to their conception or that the child's biological parent donated their body to the “recipient.” This may (understandably) cause the child psychological distress. Nevertheless, prior to the first human head transplantation surgery, the neurosurgical community ought to provide the living donor with a comprehensive understanding of the reproductive implications that are coupled with donating one's body including the familial ramifications of “recipient reproduction.” Second, biologic differences (e.g., age, fertility) between the recipient and donor of the same-sex should be addressed. It is unknown whether head transplantation surgery would be successful if there were a substantial age difference between the recipient and donor such as 10, 25, or 50 years? Moreover, consider the ramifications of a fertile individual receiving an infertile body or an infertile individual receiving a fertile body. Sterilizing a fertile donor body, before head transplantation, may help to solve some of these predicaments; however, guidelines should be implemented on age and fertility to appropriately match a recipient to a donor. Third, we ought to consider the reproductive implications of human head transplantation when subject to slippery slope argumentation. Canavero suggests this protocol as a lifesaving procedure; however, such surgery may 1 day be viewed as a life enhancement procedure. Currently, same-sex human head transplantation surgery appears to be quite a challenging task in and of itself. Although years from now, if this surgery becomes common practice, wouldn’t the next innovative thinker suggest the first opposite-sex human head transplantation procedure? Gender reassignment head transplantation surgery may currently sound preposterous but it does beg the question – does the medical community have the authority to deny this procedure to transgender individuals in the future? Transplantation ethics encourage the medical community to do the best with the limited number of donated organs, yet gender reassignment head transplantation surgery, as well as general head transplantation, may be disregarding this utilitarian approach to organ donation. Indeed, these quandaries pertaining to the reproductive implications of human head transplantation are difficult to ponder; nevertheless, discussing these ethical predicaments and creating guidelines for them may benefit the neurosurgical community before we decide to transplant the first human head. Financial support and sponsorship Nil. Conflicts of interest There are no conflicts of interest.

A preliminary study on the use and effect of hand antiseptics in veterinary practice.

To assess use and effect of hand antiseptics in veterinary clinical practice. Veterinary practice nurses were questioned concerning their use of hand antiseptics, in particular waterless hand rubs. Subsequent clinical trials assessed the effect of single applications of alcohol-based and quaternary ammonium compound-based hand rubs at reducing bacterial counts on the hands of theatre nurses in a neutering clinic. The majority of responding practices used waterless hand rubs (alcohol-based, 67.5% and quaternary ammonium compound-based, 9.5%) as their primary hand hygiene agent and believed them to be effective. 23% of practices favoured an antiseptic hand-wash. In clinical trials, alcohol-based rubs were potentially more effective at reducing bacterial counts than quaternary ammonium compound-based rubs especially in the period immediately after application. However, over 3 hours there was no significant change between these and a control group. There were more adverse skin effects in the group using alcohol-based than in the quaternary ammonium compound-based and control groups. The bacterial counts after application were unaffected by variables such as the number of animals contacted. The studies provide useful baseline data for evaluation of efficacy of more frequent applications of the most common antiseptic hand rubs used in veterinary practice.

Les rituels en chirurgie : quels fondements scientifiques ?

The purpose of the study is to assess the validity of surgical beliefs and their application in the operating room… An exhaustive revue of literature was performed using PubMed and the Cochrane Library. We found over 400 articles, and chose to select the 135 most pertinent ones. Antiseptic hand washing and the use of sterile gloves are the main elements of SSI prevention. In this field, use of hydroalcoholic solutions and chlorhexidine seem to be the more efficient. Regarding the surgical gown, the use of masks and surgical hands contamination. Antiseptic pre-operative shower has no advantage over a simple soap shower. Also depilation has no influence. Regarding the surgery in itself, cutaneous preparation is more efficient with alcoholic antiseptics or with chlorhexidine. After the surgery, no wound dressing has shown to ease the healing when compared to the use of regular water. There are two types of attitudes in surgery: those that have a proven benefit for the patient and/or the surgeon and those based on good intentions or beliefs but that have no scientific ground.

Disinfection efficacy of hand hygiene based on chlorhexidine gluconate content and usage of alcohol-based hand-rubbing solution

Recently, the procedure for surgical hand hygiene has been switching to a two-stage method and hand-rubbing method from the traditional hand-scrubbing method. Both the two-stage and hand-rubbing methods use alcohol-based hand-rubbing after hand washing. The former requires 5 min of antiseptic hand washing, and the latter 1 min of nonantiseptic hand washing. For a prolonged bactericidal effect in terms of surgical hand hygiene, chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) has been noted due to its residual activity. However, no detailed study comparing the disinfection efficacy and prolonged effects according to different contents of CHG and the usage of alcohol-based hand-rubbing has been conducted. The glove juice method is able to evaluate disinfection efficacy and prolonged effects of the disinfectants more accurately because it can collect not only transitory bacteria but also normal inhabitants on hands. In the present study, we examined the disinfection efficacy and prolonged effects on alcohol-based hand-rubbing containing CHG by six hand-rubbing methods and three two-stage methods using the glove juice method. In both methods, 3 mL (one pump dispenser push volume) alcohol-based hand-rubbing solution containing 1% (w/v) CHG showed the highest disinfection efficacy and prolonged effects, and no significant difference was found between the hand-rubbing and two-stage methods. In the two methods of hand hygiene, the hand-rubbing method was able to save time and cost. Therefore, the data strongly suggest that the hand-rubbing method using a one pump dispenser push volume of alcohol-based hand-rubbing solution containing 1% (w/v) CHG is suitable for surgical hand hygiene.