Effectiveness and microbial contamination of an in-house alcohol-based hand rub.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effectiveness and contamination of an in-house alcohol-based hand rub in a real clinical setting and to compare its effectiveness in bacterial reduction with that of a commercial product. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Effectiveness of the hand rub in bacterial reduction was compared to a commercial product using the modified antiseptic/disinfectant testing method of European Standard (EN 1500) in 12 volunteers. In-house alcohol-based hand rub in 50 clinical wards were serially collected and cultured to determine contamination. RESULTS: The bacterial reduction factor of the hand rub was comparable to that of the commercial product. There was no organisms grown from serial cultures of the in-house alcohol-based hand rub in use for 28 days. CONCLUSION: The in-house alcohol-based hand rub was effective and there was no contamination up to 28 days in use.

Use of antiseptics and disinfectants in Thailand 1990.

A survey by questionnaire was done in March and April 1990 on the use of antiseptics and disinfectants (A/D). Twenty-seven hospitals with 675 wards were enrolled. Results showed that the cost of A/D was 3.3 to 8.1 per cent of the total expenses for drugs. Essential A/D were available and used in most places. Many low level A/D, which have been excluded from modern hospitals, were still employed. Contamination of A/D was a real threat due to improper preparation, unclean containers and refill practices in many wards. Improper applications of A/D, namely: overuse, underuse, and wrong choices were found in many places. Textbooks and written guidelines were available but it is unlikely that they were referred to in practice. A national policy on the use of A/D and proper education to medical personnel are clearly needed.