Antimicrobial efficacy of soap and water hand washing versus an alcohol-based hand cleanser.
The emergence of alcohol-based hand cleansers may represent an alternative to soap and water in the clinical dental setting. In this study, the antimicrobial efficacy of traditional hand washing vs. a unique alcohol-based hand cleanser with persistence was evaluated. Two experienced dentists participated over a 10-day period. On days 1-5, each clinician used an antibacterial liquid soap (Dial, Dial Corporation, Scottsdale, AZ). Days 6-10, an alcohol-based hand cleanser (Triseptin Water Optional, Healthpoint Surgical, Fort Worth, TX) was used. Sampling was by modified glove juice technique. The results indicate that the alcohol-based hand cleanser dramatically outperforms the traditional hand washing agent in the general dental setting.
Holton
Ronald H
RH
Clinical Laboratory Science, The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio Dental School, San Antonio, Texas, USA.
Huber
Michaell A
MA
Terezhalmy
Geza T
GT
D000891:Anti-Infective Agents, Local; D015169:Colony Count, Microbial; D000431:Ethanol; D006235:Hand Disinfection / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D019552:Infection Control, Dental / Q000379:methods*; D012915:Soaps
D000891:Anti-Infective Agents, Local; D012915:Soaps; D000431:Ethanol