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.
Clinical Laboratory Science, The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio Dental School, San Antonio, Texas, USA.
Ronald H
RH
Holton
Michaell A
MA
Huber
Geza T
GT
Terezhalmy
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