Randomized controlled trial comparing the efficacy of 70% isopropyl alcohol hand rub versus standard hand washing for hand hygiene among healthcare workers

ABSTRACT

Abstract@#Access to handwashing areas is not as convenient as having alcohol in one’s pocket or bedside. Alternatively, cleaning the hands with alcohol can save us a lot of time and effort in disinfecting our hands thus giving us more time for patient care. If alcohol can be proven as effective as soap and water in hand disinfection, then residents and nurses may use this method of hand hygiene instead. @*Objective@#To compare the efficacy of 70% isopropyl alcohol against standard handwashing in hand hygiene among medical residents and nurses at a tertiary hospital. @*Methods@#Seventy-six doctors and nurses were randomly assigned to two groups with 38 subjects each. Group 1 used plain soap and water while group 2 used 70% isopropyl alcohol hand rub. hand swabbing was done before and after hand hygiene. The presence or absence of bacteria was compared for the same subject, before and after hand disinfection. The mean decrease in colony count in group 1 was compared to group 2. @*Results@#Both groups were successful in reducing the mean colony count. Handwashing group had a decrease from 27.34 34 +33.17to 3.58+ 6.63 CFU, while the alcohol group from 21.5 + 31.13 to 0.76 + 1.48 CFU, both with p values <0.05. But in comparison, the mean changes for both groups were not statistically significant, therefore no intervention was superior to the other and both were equally effective. @*Conclusion@#Seven percent isopropyl alcohol is as effective as standard handwashing in disinfection. It is recommended to have 70% isopropyl alcohol at bedside/individually carried by doctors/nurses for easy access. Observation of proper hand washing technique should always be emphasized. Bacterial colony identification is ideal for future studies.