Ineffectiveness of handwashing with lotion soap to remove nosocomial bacterial pathogens persisting on fingertips: a major link in their intrahospital spread

Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol. 2004 Mar;25(3):262-4. doi: 10.1086/502388.

Abstract

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.

MeSH terms

  • Alcohols / therapeutic use
  • Anti-Infective Agents, Local / administration & dosage
  • Colony Count, Microbial
  • Cross Infection / prevention & control*
  • Fingers / microbiology*
  • Hand / microbiology
  • Hand Disinfection / methods*
  • Humans
  • Personnel, Hospital*
  • Soaps / administration & dosage*
  • Soaps / standards
  • Time

Substances

  • Alcohols
  • Anti-Infective Agents, Local
  • Soaps