Ineffectiveness of handwashing with lotion soap to remove nosocomial bacterial pathogens persisting on fingertips: a major link in their intrahospital spread.
The effectiveness of five 30-second handwashes with a non-antiseptic lotion soap to remove nosocomial pathogens (10(8) CFU) applied to fingertips was studied. CFU for all species dropped rapidly after the first handwash; persistence (10 to 15 CFU) was maintained thereafter. Wiping hands with an antiseptic (70% isopropyl or 10% povidone-iodine) sponge removed persisters.
Bottone
Edward J
EJ
Division of Infectious Diseases, The Mount Sinai Hospital, New York, NY 10029, USA.
Cheng
Mark
M
Hymes
Saul
S
D000438:Alcohols / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000891:Anti-Infective Agents, Local / Q000008:administration & dosage; D015169:Colony Count, Microbial; D003428:Cross Infection / Q000517:prevention & control*; D005385:Fingers / Q000382:microbiology*; D006225:Hand / Q000382:microbiology; D006235:Hand Disinfection / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D010564:Personnel, Hospital; D012915:Soaps / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000592:standards; D013995:Time
D000438:Alcohols; D000891:Anti-Infective Agents, Local; D012915:Soaps