Efficacy of handrubbing with alcohol based solution versus standard handwashing with antiseptic soap: randomised clinical trial.
OBJECTIVE
To compare the efficacy of handrubbing with an alcohol based solution versus conventional handwashing with antiseptic soap in reducing hand contamination during routine patient care.


METHODS
Randomised controlled trial during daily nursing sessions of 2 to 3 hours.


METHODS
Three intensive care units in a French university hospital.


METHODS
23 healthcare workers.


METHODS
Handrubbing with alcohol based solution (n=12) or handwashing with antiseptic soap (n=11) when hand hygiene was indicated before and after patient care. Imprints taken of fingertips and palm of dominant hand before and after hand hygiene procedure. Bacterial counts quantified blindly.


METHODS
Bacterial reduction of hand contamination.


RESULTS
With handrubbing the median percentage reduction in bacterial contamination was significantly higher than with handwashing (83% v 58%, P=0.012), with a median difference in the percentage reduction of 26% (95% confidence interval 8% to 44%). The median duration of hand hygiene was 30 seconds in each group.


CONCLUSIONS
During routine patient care handrubbing with an alcohol based solution is significantly more efficient in reducing hand contamination than handwashing with antiseptic soap.
Infection Control Unit, Hôpital Henri Mondor, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Créteil, France. emmanuelle.girou@hmn.ap-hop-paris.fr
Emmanuelle
E
Girou
Sabrina
S
Loyeau
Patrick
P
Legrand
Françoise
F
Oppein
Christian
C
Brun-Buisson
D000438:Alcohols / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D000891:Anti-Infective Agents, Local / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D001419:Bacteria / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D015169:Colony Count, Microbial; D003428:Cross Infection / Q000517:prevention & control; D004202:Disinfectants; D006225:Hand / Q000382:microbiology*; D006235:Hand Disinfection / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards*; D006801:Humans; D006920:Hygiene / Q000592:standards; D007362:Intensive Care Units; D009740:Nursing Staff; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012915:Soaps / Q000737:chemistry
D000438:Alcohols; D000891:Anti-Infective Agents, Local; D004202:Disinfectants; D012915:Soaps