ABSTRACT:
AIM: To study and compare the antimicrobial effect of ethanolic hand sanitizers and other hand disinfection methods in hospitals. OBJECTIVE: To study and compare the antimicrobial effect of ethanolic hand sanitizers and other hand disinfection methods in hospitals. MATERIALS AND METHODS: There were a total of 50 participants (n=50), 10 participants for each method of disinfection. This study tested 5 different disindectants- a non medicated soap, a medicated soap, a non medicated hand wash, a medicated surgical standard handwash (with 4% chlorhexidinegluconate), and ethanol based handrub. Every participant was sampled before the hand disinfection. Another sample was obtained after disinfection. RESULT: The number of bacterial colonies is minimum with medicated hand wash containing 4% chlorhexidine glutamate (10.04%). This is followed by the use of ethanol based hand sanitiser (17.04%) for 2 mins. Next is the use of medicated soap (16.02%), followed by non-medicated hand wash (46.50%) and finally the maximum number of bacterial colonies present after hand disinfection is with the use of non-medicated soaps (52.06%). CONCLUSION: The ideal method of hand disinfection is using a medicated handwash (4% chlorhexidine glutamate). However, an excellent alternative to hand washing when antimicrobial efficacy, time for the procedure, and limited access to sinks are of concern is the use of ethanol based hand sanitizer.