Hand Rub Research Articles

Formulation and Production of Ethanol Extract Derived from Black Turmeric (Curcuma caesia Roxb) for use as an Antibacterial Hand Sanitizer Spray

Formulation and production of an ethanol extract derived from black turmeric (Curcuma caesia roxb) for use as an antibacterial hand sanitizer spray were successfully performed. The method used is the maceration method with 96% ethanol solvent. Formulation of rimpang kunyit hitam (Curcuma caesia roxb) ethanol extract was formulated into four formulas: without extract, 10%, 8%, and 6% ethanol extract. The results showed that the ethanol extract of black turmeric rhizome with the phytochemical screening method contained flavonoids and alkaloids, which had antibacterial activity. Formulation of rimpang kunyit hitam ethanol extract in hand sanitizer spray with a concentration of 10% has a more significant inhibition zone compared to other concentrations, namely 9.9 mm in Escherichia coli and 9.8 mm in Staphylococcus aureus bacteria.

Variable sensitivity of clinical Candida auris strains to Biocides: implications for infection control in Healthcare Settings

PurposeCandida auris, a multidrug-resistant yeast, poses significant challenges in healthcare settings due to its ability to form biofilms and resistance to common disinfectants. Understanding its susceptibility to biocides used in hospital disinfection practices is crucial for infection control. We investigated the biocide sensitivity of eight clinical C. auris strains from different patients and one reference strain (CDC B11903) using the biocide activity tests.MethodsSpecies identification was confirmed through MALDI-TOF MS, while clade differentiation and phylogenetic classification were determined via whole-genome sequencing. Biofilm formation was assessed using the MTT assay. Antifungal susceptibilities were tested according to CLSI standards. The effectiveness of biocides, including chlorine, chlorhexidine, and benzalkonium chloride, was evaluated through broth microdilution following CLSI standards and quantitative suspension and carrier tests, following EN standards.ResultsAll clinical strains were identified as clade 1, and the reference strain as clade 4, with all exhibiting biofilm formation. Clade 1 strains showed resistance to fluconazole, with MIC values ranging from 8 to 32 µg/ml, while being susceptible to other antifungals. Broth microdilution MIC assays for biocides demonstrated that all strains exhibited resistance to benzalkonium chloride. Chlorine and chlorhexidine showed variable efficacy, dependent on concentration and environmental cleanliness. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers demonstrated effectiveness against C. auris from the first minute of application.ConclusionThe study highlights the variable susceptibility of C.auris to different biocides, underscoring the challenge in eradicating this pathogen from healthcare environments. Our findings advocate for the careful selection of disinfectants in hospital settings, emphasizing the need for high-concentration chlorine and chlorhexidine solutions to combat C. auris, even in especially clean environments.

Physical test and irritation test of water guava leaf extract (Syzygium aqueum) as a natural spray hand sanitizer

This study explores the manufacture of water guava (Syzygium aqueum) leaf extract-based hand sanitizers as an effective and safe natural alternative for maintaining hand hygiene. Given the importance of hand hygiene in preventing the spread of disease, especially amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the use of hand sanitizers has increased significantly. However, alcohol-based products are often irritating to the skin. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate the potential of water guava leaf extract to improve the effectiveness and convenience of hand sanitizers. Water guava leaves contain active compounds such as flavonoids, tannins, and phenolics with antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. The research method includes extracting water guava leaves, hand sanitizer formulation, and organoleptic, pH, homogeneity, and irritation testing. The tests carried out were physical tests, including organoleptic tests (shape, smell, and colour), pH, homogeneity, spreadability, adhesiveness, and product irritation tests. The research was designed with a posttest-only control group design with true experimental by analyzing the test object after being given treatment. This research is expected to produce products that are useful for the community. The results showed that all hand sanitizer formulas tested had a pH within the safe range of pH 5 for the skin without irritating the skin of the test animals. Formulas with added guava extract showed improved aroma and anti-irritation, with formulas F1 and F2 gaining the highest preference in aroma and colour. This study concludes that water guava leaf extract can be effectively used in the manufacture of hand sanitizers, providing a gentler and skin-friendly alternative to alcohol-based synthetic products.

A Study of Sociocultural Adaptation for Practices of Religious Doctrines during the Covid-19 Pandemic and Using the Religious Dimension to Prevent and Mitigate the Covid-19 Pandemic

This article presents the findings of a study on the effects of sociocultural adaptation on religious practices during the COVID-19 pandemic and the utilization of the religious dimension to prevent and mitigate the spread of the virus. The results stem from a mixed-methods research approach involving quantitative and qualitative data collection from 15,505 participants through questionnaires. Statistical analysis comprises numerical summaries such as counts, percentages, means, standard deviations, and qualitative content analysis. Data presentation employed descriptive analytics. Findings revealed: 1) Among Thai followers, a high adherence to religious practices was observed (94.62%). Brahmanism-Hinduism adherents demonstrated the highest adherence (100.00%), followed by Sikhs (94.60%), Muslims (93.60%), Buddhists (92.50%), and Christians (92.43%). 2) Sociocultural adaptation for religious practices during the pandemic aligned with public health guidelines, emphasizing social distancing, mask-wearing, and frequent hand sanitization. 3) Clear directives were established for utilizing religious practices to combat COVID-19, ensuring conformity with the Ministry of Public Health protocols for all religious ceremonies, both auspicious and inauspicious. Additionally, education played a vital role in disseminating these guidelines effectively to religious communities, fostering greater compliance and understanding.

Nature's Shield: The Promise of Herbal Hand Sanitizers

With the rise in awareness of hygiene practices, particularly hand hygiene, the demand for effective sanitizers has surged. Herbal hand sanitizers have emerged as a natural alternative to chemical-based products, boasting antimicrobial properties derived from plant extracts. This review explores the efficacy of various herbal extracts, including Azadirachta indica (Neem), Citrus limon (Lemon), and Ocimum sanctum (Tulsi), in formulating effective hand sanitizers. We discuss their antibacterial effects, compare them with conventional alcohol-based sanitizers, and evaluate their potential applications beyond hand hygiene. The findings suggest that herbal sanitizers offer a sustainable and safe solution to infection prevention. Keywords: Sanitizers, antimicrobial, Herbal, antibacterial, natural alternatives

Development and Assessment of Herbal Sanitizer Derived from Plant Extract

Introduction: A key component in the prevention, management, and decline of healthcare-acquired illnesses is hand sanitizer. Multi-drug-resistant infections are among the persistent issues related to infections acquired while receiving medical care. Maintaining good hand hygiene can greatly lower the chance of cross-contamination. In recent times, hand sanitization has been increasingly popular as a means of reducing nosocomial infections that a variety of opportunistic bacteria can cause.  Method: Using a methanol solvent and a maceration method, the extract was obtained from the leaves of the neem and tulsi plants. The disc diffusion technique was used to determine and assess the antibacterial activity by measuring the diameter of the zone of inhibition. It was decided to create a herbal hand sanitizer.  Results: According to the study, both Ocimum sanctum and Azadirachta indica include terpenoids, alkaloids, glycosides, tannins, and saponins. All of the studied microorganisms displayed a zone of inhibition in the solvent extract within the 5-23 mm range. It was discovered that the extracts' antibacterial efficacy depended on concentration.  Conclusion: As a platform for further research and the creation of novel therapeutic entities, the study's findings indicate the presence of various phytochemical elements with antibacterial capabilities. We may infer that the stated organisms (S. aureus, K. pneumoniae, P. aeruginosa, & E. coli) are much less susceptible to bacterial growth when exposed to herbal sanitizer. Based on many anti-bacterial tests, it has been shown that the high-concentration formulation (40 mg/ml) is highly efficient in treating bacterial disorders.

How Well Do Employees Know Their Health Savings Accounts? The Need for Improved HSA Communication and Literacy

Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) have been around for two decades, with record funds accruing in accounts year-after-year. Despite this growth, little is known regarding how well consumers know what they can spend their HSA funds on to maximize their accounts’ tax advantages. A survey of HSA savers at a large Midwest organization ( n = 732) found that about 1-in-4 employees (29.1%) were unsure or did not know their HSA contributions were not federally taxed. Additionally, employees knew that fewer than half of items asked about (M = 4.71) on a 10-item HSA-eligible quiz could be purchased with HSA funds. Employees had the least awareness that hand sanitizer (22.5%), sunscreen (27.2%), and menstrual care products (33.1%) could be purchased with HSA funds. Knowledge or perceptions did not differ based on employee education level, indicating that HSAs are likely a complicated topic for anyone to fully comprehend. These findings showcase a need to develop more effective communication to help employees better understand the unique benefits HSAs can provide. Additional recommendations for employers are provided.

Alcohol-Based Hand Sanitizers Used for COVID-19 Prevention in the Informal Settlements of Cape Town, South Africa

Alcohol-Based Hand Sanitizers Used for COVID-19 Prevention in the Informal Settlements of Cape Town, South Africa

Increase in Community Interest in Making Aloe Vera-Based Hand Sanitizer

The general background hand hygiene is crucial in preventing the spread of diseases, as hands are the primary pathway for microorganisms to enter the body. Specific background although alcohol-based hand sanitizers are widely used, they can cause skin dryness, prompting the need for alternatives made from natural ingredients. Aloe vera is a readily available plant with moisturizing properties that can serve as an alternative ingredient. Knowledge gap however, community knowledge regarding the production of aloe vera-based hand sanitizers remains limited. Aims this community service project aimed to educate participants on the process of making natural hand sanitizers using aloe vera through workshops and demonstrations. Results after the training, 60% of participants expressed interest in making their own hand sanitizers, citing easy access to materials, productive use of free time, and business opportunities as their motivations. Novelty the use of aloe vera as a base for hand sanitizer offers a skin-friendly and sustainable alternative to alcohol-based products. Implications this program not only raised awareness about hand hygiene but also empowered the community by introducing a simple, cost-effective method to create hand sanitizers, potentially opening new avenues for small-scale businesses. Highlights: Aloe vera-based hand sanitizers offer a natural alternative to alcohol-based products. 60% of participants expressed interest in making hand sanitizers after the training. The program opens business opportunities by utilizing easily accessible materials. Keywords: Hand Sanitizer, Aloe Vera, Community Training, Natural Ingredients, Small-Scale Business

Antibacterial properties enhancement tropical fruit waste biopolymer hydrogel loaded Nephelium Lappaceum leaf extract for sanitizing applications.

Current alcohol-based sanitizers present safety concerns and are not suitable for all applications. To address the issue, biopolymer hydrogels offer a safer, sustainable alternative due to biocompatibility, biodegradability, and customizable properties. In present study, carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) was prepared from Durian fruit rind, a tropical fruit byproduct rich in polysaccharides and combined with the synthetic polymer Carbopol to form a hydrogel with homogenization technique. Rambutan (Nephelium lappaceum) leaf extract (RLE) as an antibacterial agent was analyzed for functional, morphological, antibacterial, and structural properties. Phytochemical analysis of RLE confirmed the presence of antibacterial compounds, while Minimum Inhibitory Concentrations (MIC) were 33.3μg/mL for Escherichia coli and 28.5μg/mL for Staphylococcus aureus. Additionally, Scanning Electron Microscopy showed significant disruptions in bacterial cell walls. Hydrogel incorporated RLE was produced with improved properties confirmed through viscosity, FT-IR, Disc-diffusion assay and spread plate method analysis. In general, Rambutan leaf extract significantly improves the antibacterial properties of biopolymer-based hydrogels, hence offering a promising, eco-friendly alternative to alcohol-based sanitizers.

Observation of Food Handlers’ Hand Hygiene Behavior During Production at a Sandwich-making Factory

Effective hand hygiene is essential during food production to reduce the risk of microbiological contamination. Improper hand hygiene by food handlers can be a major contributing factor in the spread of foodborne illnesses. Self-reported behavior does not equate to actual behavior as it has the limitation of biases. Therefore, observational data are more effective at assessing the actual behavior of food handlers. Covert observation utilizing closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras can yield reliable data. This study utilized covert observation to assess hand hygiene compliance from CCTV footage of food handlers in a sandwich-making facility. An electronic observation checklist, based upon the company’s hand-hygiene protocol, was used to capture observed hand hygiene practices. A total of 588 occasions that required hand hygiene practices by food handlers (n = 12) were observed during the production of ready-to-eat (RTE) sandwiches over 16 h during two shifts. Food handlers did not wash their hands on 32% of occasions which required food hygiene practices. Of those occasions where there was an attempt to implement hand hygiene practices (n = 401), only 1% of behaviors were compliant with the company hand hygiene protocol. Observations indicated that 95% of attempts did not adhere to the recommended handwashing duration (≥20 s). Soap was not used in 4% of attempts, and hands were not wetted prior to applying soap in 16% of attempts. Additionally, 62% of attempts did not use hand sanitizer after handwashing and drying. Food handlers were observed attempting hand hygiene practices significantly more frequently (p < 0.001) when entering (89% of occasions) than exiting (8% of occasions) the production area. Findings indicate that appropriate interventions are needed to improve hand hygiene compliance of food handlers to ensure food is produced safely within the food manufacturing sector.

A Disturbing Emerging Trend of Alcohol-Based Hand Sanitizer Burns in Northern Ghana: A Case Series

Introduction: During the COVID-19 pandemic and in the aftermath of it, there was a surge in the use of alcohol-based hand sanitizer (ABHS). This was because the Center for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization recommended it as an essential commodity for hand hygiene and the reduction of infection transmission. However, alcohol is flammable and has the potential to cause burns if ignited. There are few reports of ABHS-related burns in literature. We aim to report 8 cases of ABHS burns in Northern Ghana and sound a clarion call to stakeholders on a disturbing emerging trend. Case Presentation: About 62.5% of the victims were children and 75% were female with a male-to-female ratio of 1:3. The mean age of victims was 13.25 years while the mean total burn surface area was 29.8%. All victims in this study sustained their injuries because of an attempt by either them or their collaborators to use ABHS as fuel to light a fire for domestic purposes. Most of the burns sustained were second-degree (75%). The case fatality rate of ABHS burns was 25%. Conclusion: Alcohol-based hand sanitizer, though effective for hand hygiene, is flammable and can cause burns when used injudiciously. ABHS burn is an emerging public health problem. There is a need for public education to curb this emerging trend and forestall future incidents. The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) should consider the addition of warning labels for flammability on the containers and instruction manuals of sanitizers.

A Simple and Rapid Colorimetric Method for Methanol Determination Using Sodium Nitroprusside

Introduction: Methanol (CH3OH) exposure can be highly toxic to humans, resulting in severe clinical manifestations and even deaths if left untreated. Therefore, it is vital to estimate the amounts of methanol quickly and accurately to avoid its adverse health impacts. The main goal of the current study was to develop a simple, fast, reliable, and cost-effective colorimetric method for determining methanol amounts in some alcoholic and non-alcoholic samples. Materials and Methods: A sodium nitroprusside-based colorimetric method was established to detect methanol in hand sanitizers, alcoholic beverages, and herbal distillations. A gas chromatography-mass spectrometry apparatus was applied to evaluate the efficacy of the Kit. Results: The naked eye saw the color change in the presence of methanol. The established method revealed a good sensitivity (0.077%) and accuracy for methanol determination in different samples. Besides, this colorimetric method was precise, with intra- and inter-assay coefficients of variations less than 10%. Notably, the recovery percentages were 96.5% to 108%, indicating the acceptable accuracy of the studied method. The quantitative detection of methanol was finally validated by comparing it with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry results. Conclusions: This colorimetric method has great potential for methanol detection due to advantages such as good sensitivity, acceptable accuracy, and fast response time.

Perspectives on hand hygiene in Belizean healthcare facilities during the COVID-19 pandemic: a qualitative evaluation with healthcare workers

ABSTRACT The World Health Organization recommends healthcare workers (HCWs) practice hand hygiene (HH) while providing care. Making alcohol-based hand rub (ABHR) available at points of care is recommended during times of high patient volume, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. In low- and middle-income countries, such as Belize, there may be limited access to HH materials within healthcare facilities. This paper examines the motivators and barriers to HH among HCWs in the 11 largest public healthcare facilities in Belize and HCWs' experiences with an intervention. In 2021, focus group discussions (FGDs) gathered HCWs' HH perceptions and preferences. An intervention was then implemented to increase ABHR access and HH training for HCWs. Post-intervention endpoint FGDs in 2022 documented HCWs' experiences with interventions. Baseline FGDs revealed that self-protection and protection of one's household members from illness were key motivators for HCWs' HH practice. Insufficient time, inadequate access to HH supplies, and gaps in education were barriers to practicing HH. At endpoint, participants appreciated increased access to ABHR and its convenience but did not like ABHR's effect on hands. Experiences with the training were mixed. To improve HCWs' HH practices, HH interventions should be tailored to HCWs' context and learning preferences.

Cellulose binding and the timing of expression influence protein targeting to the double-layered cyst wall of Acanthamoeba.

The cyst wall of the eye pathogen Acanthamoeba castellanii contains cellulose and has ectocyst and endocyst layers connected by conical ostioles. Cyst walls contain families of lectins that localize to the ectocyst layer (Jonah) or the endocyst layer and ostioles (Luke and Leo). How lectins and an abundant laccase bind cellulose and why proteins go to locations in the wall are not known and are the focus of the studies here. Structural predictions identified β-jelly-roll folds (BJRFs) of Luke and sets of four disulfide knots (4DKs) of Leo, each of which contains linear arrays of aromatic amino acids, also present in carbohydrate-binding modules of bacterial and plant endocellulases. Ala mutations showed that these aromatics are necessary for cellulose binding and proper localization of Luke and Leo in the Acanthamoeba cyst wall. BJRFs of Luke, 4DKs of Leo, a single β-helical fold (BHF) of Jonah, and a copper oxidase domain of the laccase each bind to glycopolymers in both layers of deproteinated cyst walls. Promoter swaps showed that ectocyst localization does not just correlate with but is caused by early encystation-specific expression, while localization in the endocyst layer and ostioles is caused by later expression. Evolutionary studies showed distinct modes of assembly of duplicated domains in Luke, Leo, and Jonah lectins and suggested Jonah BHFs originated from bacteria, Luke BJRFs share common ancestry with slime molds, while 4DKs of Leo are unique to Acanthamoeba.IMPORTANCEAcanthamoebae is the only human parasite with cellulose in its cyst wall and conical ostioles that connect its inner and outer layers. Cyst walls are important virulence factors because they make Acanthamoebae resistant to surface disinfectants, hand sanitizers, contact lens sterilizers, and antibiotics applied to the eye. The goal here was to understand better how proteins are targeted to specific locations in the cyst wall. To this end, we identified three new proteins in the outer layer of the cyst wall, which may be targets for diagnostic antibodies in corneal scrapings. We used structural predictions and mutated proteins to show linear arrays of aromatic amino acids of two unrelated wall proteins are necessary for binding cellulose and proper wall localization. We showed early expression during encystation causes proteins to localize to the outer layer, while later expression causes proteins to localize to the inner layer and the ostioles.

Compliance of the Jordanian Population with the Protective Measures during and after the COVID-19 Pandemic; A Nation-Wide Survey

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has spread globally, with over 695 million confirmed cases and 6.9 million deaths as of September 2023. Compliance with protective measures is considered essential to combat the pandemic. Objectives: To assess the adherence of the Jordanian population to preventive measures during the COVID-19 pandemic. The survey specifically focused on the habits and practices of Jordanians during the pandemic, as mentioned in the introductory sentence of the Google Forms questionnaire. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among the general population in Jordan aged 18 and above using an online questionnaire distributed from March to July 2022. The questionnaire was divided into two sections: demographic characteristics and practice-related questions. Data were collected using Google Forms and analyzed using R Statistical Software. Results: Most of the 409 participants were under 30 years old (65.5%), female (70%), and held a college diploma or higher degree (80%). Around 57% had been infected with COVID-19 at least once, while 60% had a relative, friend, or colleague who died due to COVID-19. More than half of the participants (54%) demonstrated favorable practices. The multivariate analysis revealed that a previous COVID-19 infection significantly increased the odds of having favorable practices (OR=2.44; CI[1.59-3.77]; p&lt;0.001). Conclusion: This study evaluated how Jordanians adhered to COVID-19 preventive measures during the pandemic. It was found that roughly half of the population effectively followed precautions such as using masks and hand sanitizers, although adherence to a balanced diet was less frequent. The likelihood of taking precautions increased after having had COVID-19. The study also reported high vaccine acceptance rates. These findings underscore the importance of public adherence to preventive measures, especially in areas like nutrition, and provide insights for future pandemic responses.

Physical therapists’ use of personal protective equipment during the COVID-19 pandemic: a cross-sectional study in Saudi Arabia

Background: Physical therapy (PT) services can be essential for recovery from coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection. Maintaining an efficient healthcare service is achieved by ensuring the safety of a well-informed healthcare practitioner. This study aimed to assess the sources of knowledge, attitude, experience, and accessibility to the personal protective equipment (PPE) of the physical therapists working in Saudi Arabia. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted to survey on-duty PT practitioners using a web-based questionnaire. Licensed PT practitioners were invited to participate, and a sample of 424 therapists responded. The questionnaire comprised of 22 questions covering the demographic data and the following domains: sources of knowledge regarding the pandemic, experience, and attitude of the therapists during the pandemic, and accessibility to the PPE. Results: Around 83% of the participants (352) completed all the survey questions. Governmental websites were the most used source of knowledge (39%). Hand sanitization was implemented by the majority of participants (81%). Participants, mainly males and experienced therapist, were willing to treat COVID-19 patients. The COVID-19 complications of prolonged ventilation and immobilization were successfully treated by 91.2% of participants who treated positive cases. About a third of the participants were part of COVID-19 management planning teams or received training to deal with the pandemic. Most of the necessary PPE was adequately accessible during the pandemic. Conclusions: Therapists implemented the recommended hygienic practices and had no problems accessing the necessary PPE. More efforts should target therapists’ education about the social media misleading information and involving the therapists in the pandemic management planning teams.

Study on hand disinfection in inpatient geriatric care on the superiority of cold plasma aerosol versus alcohol-based disinfection methods in a parallel group design

The introduction of fundamental hygiene protocols within the healthcare sector during the nineteenth century led to a significant reduction in mortality rates. Contemporary advancements, such as alcohol-based sanitizers, have further enhanced hand hygiene practices. However, these measures are often overlooked in nursing facilities, resulting in low staff compliance rates and increased cross-infection rates. Novel approaches, such as cold plasma hand disinfection, present promising alternatives due to their minimal skin damage and economic benefits. This study aims to compare the disinfectant efficacy of cold plasma aerosol under practical application conditions with an alcoholic hand disinfectant listed by the Association for Applied Hygiene. The microbial count on participants’ hands was measured, with particular attention paid to the spontaneous occurrence of fecal indicators and the presence of potentially infectious bacteria. A t-test for independent samples was conducted to determine whether there was a significant difference between the two cohorts regarding the research question. Statistical analysis revealed that the mean log colony-forming unit (CFU) values were significantly lower in the test cohort using only the cold plasma method for hand disinfection compared to the cohort using conventional alcohol-based hand disinfection. Moreover, it was demonstrated that, unlike alcohol-based hand disinfection, cold plasma application ensures the effective elimination of Staphylococcus aureus. The findings indicate that staff utilizing plasma disinfection have an average bacterial count that is 0.65 log units lower than those who regularly use alcohol-based hand disinfection. In addition to the efficacy of cold plasma disinfection, its superiority over alcohol-based hand disinfection was also established. Beyond offering economic and logistical advantages, cold plasma disinfection provides additional health benefits as it does not induce skin damage, unlike alcohol-based hand disinfection.

Clinical Effectiveness of a 3-Step Versus a 6-Step Hand Hygiene Technique: A Randomized Controlled Cross-over Study

Abstract Background The aim of this study is to assess the clinical effectiveness of the 3-step hand hygiene (HH) technique (3-HT) compared with the 6-step HH technique (6-HT; World Health Organization 6-step technique) using an alcohol-based hand rub. Methods A randomized controlled crossover trial was conducted from November to December 2023 in 10 wards of a tertiary A-level hospital according to CONSORT guidelines. The 240 healthcare workers (HCWs) were randomly divided into the 3-HT intervention group or the 6-HT control group. The trial was conducted in 2 stages, and the effectiveness of each indicator in the 2 groups was compared after a washout period of 2 weeks. Results Compared with the 6-HT, the 3-HT has demonstrated significant superiority in all indicators of HH compliance as well as the accuracy rate of HH practices. The total HH median times for the 3-HT and 6-HT were 16.00 (interquartile range, 15.00–20.00) and 32.50 (30.00–40.00) seconds, respectively (P &amp;lt; .05). The reduction factors for bacterial colony-forming unit counts did not differ and the colony-forming unit counts were not significantly different. Bacillus, Staphylococcus, and Micrococcus were detected before and after the use of hand rubs. HCWs preferred the 3-HT over the 6-HT. There were no significant difference in healthcare-associated infections rate between the 2 techniques. Conclusions The 3-HT was significantly superior to the 6-HT in terms of the HH eligibility rate, compliance, and HH time. The safety and feasibility of the 3-HT were verified by assessing microorganism count.

Clean hands are caring hands: Improving anesthesia provider hand hygiene and double-glove compliance during induction of general anesthesia

Hand hygiene and double gloving practices during induction of general anesthesia can decrease transmission of bacteria to patients and subsequent healthcare associated infections; however, compliance to these practices is low. A pre/post-implementation quality improvement design was used with Plan-Do-Study-Act cycles. Several implementation strategies were used to improve hand hygiene and double glove compliance among anesthesia providers, including printed educational materials, video, in-person, and virtual meetings, visual reminders, audit and feedback, and improved access to hand sanitizer dispensers in the anesthesia workstation. Average hand hygiene compliance increased from 0% to 11.8% and double gloving compliance increased from 18.5% to 34.5%. A decrease in surgical site infections was shown in the post-implementation period. Although hand hygiene and double gloving practices increased after the initial implementation, the improvements were not sustained long-term. Practices to support sustainability, such as routine booster sessions, may be considered. Incorporating these quality improvement measures into practice may improve anesthesia provider hand hygiene compliance during induction of general anesthesia and impact subsequent infection rates.