Comparison of 3 in vivo methods for assessment of alcohol-based hand rubs.
BACKGROUND
Alcohol-based hand rubs (ABHRs) are the primary method of hand hygiene in health-care settings. ICPs increasingly are assessing ABHR product efficacy data as improved products and test methods are developed. As a result, ICPs need better tools and recommendations for how to assess and compare ABHRs.


METHODS
Two ABHRs (70% ethanol) were tested according to 3 in vivo methods approved by ASTM International: E1174, E2755, and E2784. Log10 reductions were measured after a single test product use and after 10 consecutive uses at an application volume of 2 mL.


RESULTS
The test method used had a significant influence on ABHR efficacy; however, in this study the test product (gel or foam) did not significantly influence efficacy. In addition, for all test methods, log10 reductions obtained after a single application were not predictive of results after 10 applications.


CONCLUSIONS
Choice of test method can significantly influence efficacy results. Therefore, when assessing antimicrobial efficacy data of hand hygiene products, ICPs should pay close attention to the test method used, and ensure that product comparisons are made head to head in the same study using the same test methodology.
Research & Development GOJO Industries, Inc, Akron, OH. Electronic address: edmondss@gojo.com.
Sarah
S
Edmonds-Wilson
BioScience Laboratories, Bozeman, MT.
Esther
E
Campbell
Research & Development GOJO Industries, Inc, Akron, OH.
Kyle
K
Fox
Research & Development GOJO Industries, Inc, Akron, OH.
David
D
Macinga
D000438:Alcohols / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D015169:Colony Count, Microbial; D004202:Disinfectants / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D006225:Hand / Q000382:microbiology; D006235:Hand Disinfection / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000438:Alcohols; D004202:Disinfectants
ASTM; Hand hygiene; Hand sanitizer; Test methods