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Efficacy of povidone-iodine in preputial antisepsis.

Wound infection after a surgical procedure is one of the main problems affecting the success of an operation. The prepuce is used in hypospadias surgery and in tissue defects in reconstructive surgery. The objective of this study is to determine the efficacy of povidone-iodine and surgical soap in preputial skin preparation. Ninety-four healthy children were divided into three groups. After obtaining preputial skin swabs, an application of povidone-iodine 10% was made and skin swabs were obtained after two and five minutes in group 1. An additional application of povidone-iodine after two minutes was made in group 2 and swabs taken. Group 3 received a local scrub with surgical soap and an application of povidone-iodine. Results showed that, despite painting with povidone-iodine and/or local cleaning with surgical soap, it is not possible totally to eradicate the micro-organisms in the prepuce. Surgical soap decreases the colony count, which can lead to increased effectiveness of povidone-iodine after painting. We recommend preoperative local cleaning with surgical soap before surgical painting.

Anti-Infective Agents, Local↗

Physical and microbiological quality of five different examination and surgical gloves before and after use in dental practice.

The purpose of the present study was to compare five different types of examination and surgical gloves physically and microbiologically before and after use in clinical dentistry. The prevalence of perforations was examined by the water inflation technique, and adhesion of bacteria to the glove surfaces was determined by use of a standard procedure with Streptococcus salivarius ATCC 13419. The effect of handwashing with a non-medicated soap and disinfectant soaps was finally examined. About 3% of the unused latex--and Elastyren gloves had perforations, while 6-7% of the unused vinyl gloves showed pinholes. Ten handwashes with a non-medicated soap did not affect the physical integrity of any of the glove types, while the disinfectant soap BLIX deteriorates about one third of the Elastyren gloves after 10 washes. In contrast, another disinfectant soap Hibiscrub did not affect these gloves. After use in clinical dentistry all vinyl gloves had perforations, while the other four types seemed unchanged. S. salivarius adhered to unused gloves of all types except for the hypoallergenic latex glove Biogel D. Highest numbers of cultivable bacteria were found for the non-sterile latex gloves and Elastyren gloves. The bacterial contamination was easily removed from all types by handwashing. Repeated handwashing decreased the adherence of S. salivarius to the non-sterile latex gloves and Elastyren gloves. After use in dental practice the adherence of S. salivarius seemed to be unchanged in relation to the situation, when the gloves were only washed up to 10 times. For the Biogel D gloves an increase in adherence of S. salivarius from zero before clinical use to a level comparable with the other glove types after clinical use was observed. Based on the findings in this study and compared with previous studies general recommendations for use of gloves in dental practice are formulated.

Bacterial Adhesion↗

Influence of the vasodilator drug isosorbide dinitrate on ocular circulation.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the ocular hemodynamic effects of the vasodilator drug isosorbide dinitrate. DESIGN: Randomized, prospective, controlled clinical trial assessing the short-term effects of 1 tablet containing 40 mg of isosorbide dinitrate vs placebo. SETTING: Department of Ophthalmology, University of Giessen, Germany. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Systolic ophthalmic artery pressure (SOAP), systolic ocular perfusion pressure (SOPP), ocular pulsation amplitude (OPA), product of OPA x heart rate (HR), intraocular pressure (IOP), systolic and diastolic brachial artery pressure (SBAP and DBAP). Measurements were performed before and up to 7 hours after patients received the medication. PARTICIPANTS: Twenty healthy subjects (mean age, 28 years) who provided informed consent. RESULTS: After isosorbide dinitrate administration, SBAP, SOAP, and SOPP were significantly lowered (P = .01), and IOP tended to be lower (P = .08) compared with placebo. Maximum reduction was 3 to 5 hours after medication: SBAP was reduced by 10.9 mm Hg (9% reduction; P = .01), SOAP was reduced by 12.5 mm Hg (14% reduction; P = .01), SOPP was reduced by 11.3 mm Hg (14.5% reduction; P = .01), and IOP by 1.5 mm Hg (12% reduction; P = .08). The relation between SBAP and SOAP was significantly linear (P < .001), the correlation coefficient was 0.39. The DBAP remained unchanged, and the HR increased by 4 to 7/min (P = .08). The OPA and the product OPA x HR were significantly decreased (P < .001; P = .002) by maximum values of 44% and 40%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Administration of isosorbide dinitrate reduced SOAP and SOPP, reflecting reduced systemic systolic blood pressure. The decrease in OPA and the product OPA x HR (a measure of pulsatile ocular blood flow) may reflect a reduction in cardiac stroke volume typical for nitrates. Due to these hemodynamic effects and the minute reduction in IOP, the vasodilator drug isosorbide dinitrate, which has been proposed for glaucoma therapy, may be used only with caution in patients with glaucoma.

Adult↗

A study of risk factors for intestinal helminth infections using epidemiological and anthropological approaches.

This study. conducted in Kisumu District, Kenya, identified important risk factors for infection with intestinal helminths using traditional epidemiological methods. This was combined with a rapid assessment study using qualitative methods, which focused on sanitation practices and local illness perceptions. The multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that the absence of latrines was a significant predictor for hookworm infection with an odds ratio (OR) of 1.9. The analysis also revealed that households without soap had a 2.6 times higher risk of being infected with Ascaris lumbricoides compared with households where soap was available, and that the number of inhabitants living in a household was a significant predictor for infections with hookworms (OR=3.2). Furthermore, the presence of children of 5 years and under in the household was a predictor for infection with A. lumbricoides (OR=2.7), while the absence of this age group was a predictor for hookworm infection (OR=3.8). The qualitative part of the study revealed that people did not consider worms as a serious health threat, but as a nuisance. Among the population. latrines were seen as beneficial because they were believed to prevent disease, to provide privacy and to keep the environment free of faeces. Handwashing was done many times a day but usually not with soap, which was mainly used when bathing or washing the whole body. Many inhabitants in a household or the presence of children of 5 years and under were never mentioned as being a disadvantage, and these elements would therefore be difficult to include in a control strategy. Since the lack of latrines and of soap were identified as risk factors for infection, while latrines, soap and medicine were seen as assets by the population, it is suggested that helminth control interventions should be concentrated within these areas in this particular society.

Age Distribution↗

Ionization and phase behavior of fatty acids in water: application of the Gibbs phase rule.

The phase behavior of several medium-chain (10- and 12-carbon) and long-chain (18-carbon) fatty acids in water was examined as a function of the ionization state of the carboxyl group. Equilibrium titration curves were generated above and below fatty acid and acid-soap chain melting temperatures and critical micelle concentrations, and the phases formed were characterized by X-ray diffraction, 13C NMR spectroscopy, and phase-contrast and polarized light microscopy. The resulting titration curves were divided into five regions: (i) at pH values less than 7, a two-phase region containing oil or fatty acid crystals and an aqueous phase; (ii) at pH approximately 7, a three-phase region containing oil, lamellar, and aqueous (or fatty acid crystals, 1:1 acid-soap crystals, and aqueous) phases; (iii) between pH 7 and 9, a two-phase region containing a lamellar fatty acid/soap (or crystalline 1:1 acid-soap) phase in an aqueous phase; (iv) at pH approximately 9, a three-phase region containing lamellar fatty acid-soap (or crystalline 1:1 acid-soap), micellar, and aqueous phases; and (v) at pH values greater than 9, a two-phase region containing micellar and aqueous phases. Interpretation of the results using the Gibbs phase rule indicated that, for oleic acid/potassium oleate, the composition of the lamellar fatty acid/soap phase varied from approximately 1:1 to 1:3 un-ionized to ionized fatty acid species. In addition, constant pH regions observed in titration curves were a result of thermodynamic invariance (zero degrees of freedom) rather than buffering capacity. The results provide insights into the physical states of fatty acids in biological systems.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Fatty Acids, Nonesterified↗

[Effect of the vasodilator isosorbide dinitrate on ocular circulation].

BACKGROUND: Vasodilator drugs are increasingly being discussed as possible antiglaucomatous substances. Aim of the present study is to evaluate, from a hemodynamic point of view, the vasodilator drug isosorbide dinitrate (ISDN) regarding its suitability for glaucoma therapy. METHODS: 20 healthy subjects (mean age: 28 yrs) volunteered to participate in the study. In randomized order, each subject received one tablet containing 40 mg ISDN (sequels) or--in a second trial--one tablet placebo (+500 mg of the analgetic metamizol, respectively, for prophylaxis of nitrate headache). 1 h before as well as 1, 3, 5, and 7 hrs after medication, the following variables were determined using oculo-oscillo-dynamography: systolic ophthalmic artery pressure (SOAP), systolic ocular perfusion pressure (SOPP), ocular pulsation amplitude (OPA) and the product OPA x heart rate (HR). Intraocular pressure (IOP) as well as systolic and diastolic brachial artery pressures (SBAP, DBAP) were also measured. RESULTS: After administration of ISDN (+analgetic), the variables SBAP, SOAP and SOPP were significantly (p = 0.01) lowered compared to placebo (+analgetic), and also the IOP tended to be lower (p = 0.08). The maximum reduction was found 3-5 hrs after medication: SBAP 10.9 mm Hg (9%), SOAP 12.5 mm Hg (14%), SOPP 11.3 mm Hg (14.5%), and IOP 1.5 mm Hg (12%). The relation SOAP vs. SBAP was significantly (p = 0.0004) linear, the correlation coefficient amounted to 0.39. DBAP remained unchanged, HR was increased by 4-7 beats/min (p = 0.08). OPA and the product OPA x HR showed highly significant decreases by maximum values of 44% and 40%, respectively. CONCLUSION: ISDN (+analgetic) caused a reduction of SOAP and SOPP, which can be accounted for by the reduced systolic systemic blood pressure. In addition, there was a decrease of OPA and of the product OPA x HR (a measure of pulsatile ocular blood flow), which finding may be explained by a cardiac stroke volume reduction that is typical for nitrates. Due to these hemodynamic effects and due to the only weak IOP reduction, ISDN does not appear to be suitable for glaucoma therapy.

Adult↗

Emergency medical services equipment hygiene practices.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether emergency medical services (EMS) systems adhere to accepted equipment hygiene standards. METHODS: Mail surveys were sent to the physician medical directors of the EMS systems of the 125 most populous cities in the United States. RESULTS: Eighty-five surveys (68%) were returned. Seventy-three (86%) of the responding services have a policy addressing equipment decontamination, and 32 of these (44%) have an accompanying quality assurance program. Seventy-nine (93%) utilize either alcohol or a commercial disinfectant (A/CD) on noncritical items when visibly contaminated with blood. However, only 32 of those agencies (41%) use soap and water in addition to A/CD. Another nine (11%) exchange contaminated items at the hospital, one (1%) uses other methods, and two (2%) respondents did not know. Seventy-six (89%) of the responding agencies perform endotracheal intubation. Of the 54 that decontaminate their own blades, 20 (37%) use soap and water in addition to A/CD, 32 (59%) use A/CD alone, and two (4%) use soap and water alone. CONCLUSION: Adherence to accepted hygiene standards among EMS systems in our most populous cities is poor. Many systems do not use soap and water prior to A/CD. Failure to do so may minimize the effectiveness of disinfection. Several systems use A/CD or soap and water alone, neither of which meets current standards for high-level disinfection recommended for items that will come in contact with mucous membranes, such as laryngoscope blades.

Disinfection↗

A modified cup scrub method for assessing the antibacterial substantivity of personal cleansing products.

An improved in vivo method for evaluating the antibacterial substantivity or residual effectiveness of bar soaps and other personal cleansing products is presented. The effectiveness of an antibacterial bar soap containing 1.5% 3, 4, 4'-trichlorocarbanilide (TCC) versus its soap vehicle was evaluated under simulated conditions considered optimal for bacterial growth, proliferation, and possible infection. A washout period to clear the skin of any antimicrobial agents previously used was followed by a treatment period in which the subjects washed one of their forearms with the antibacterial soap and the other forearm with the soap vehicle. Either immediately or 24 hours following the final wash, three test sites on both forearms were inoculated with S. aureus and occluded with Hill Top Chamber patches. At intervals of 30 minutes, two hours and five hours, the patches were removed. The bacteria on the skin were harvested using the Williamson-Kligman scrub technique (1,2) to determine the number of surviving CFUs at each time period. The method successfully demonstrated that sufficient TCC had remained on the skin for 24 hours after the final wash to effectively inhibit the growth of S. aureuso on the skin for as long as five hours after inoculation.

Adolescent↗

Determination of the fatty acid composition of saponified vegetable oils using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry.

A method using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOFMS) for the determination of the fatty acid composition of vegetable oils is described and illustrated with the analysis of palm kernel oil, palm oil, olive oil, canola oil, soybean oil, vernonia oil, and castor oil. Solutions of the saponified oils, mixed with the matrix, meso-tetrakis(pentafluorophenyl)porphyrin, provided reproducible MALDI-TOF spectra in which the ions were dominated by sodiated sodium carboxylates [RCOONa + Na]+. Thus, palm kernel oil was found to contain capric acid, lauric acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, oleic acid, and stearic acid. Palm oil had a fatty acid profile including palmitic, linoleic, oleic, and stearic. The relative percentages of the fatty acids in olive oil were palmitoleic (1.2 +/- 0.5), palmitic (10.9 +/- 0.8), linoleic (0.6 +/- 0.1), linoleic (16.5 +/- 0.8), and oleic (70.5 +/- 1.2). For soybean oil, the relative percentages were: palmitoleic (0.4 +/- 0.4), palmitic (6.0 +/- 1.3), linolenic (14.5 +/- 1.8), linoleic (50.1 +/- 4.0), oleic (26.1 +/- 1.2), and stearic (2.2 +/- 0.7). This method was also applied to the analysis of two commercial soap formulations. The first soap gave a fatty acid profile that included: lauric (19.4% +/- 0.8), myristic (9.6% +/- 0.5), palmitoleic (1.9% +/- 0.3), palmitic (16.3% +/- 0.9), linoleic (5.6% +/- 0.4), oleic (37.1% +/- 0.8), and stearic (10.1% +/- 0.7) and that of the second soap was: lauric (9.3% +/- 0.3), myristic (3.8% +/- 0.5), palmitoleic (3.1% +/- 0.8), palmitic (19.4% +/- 0.8), linoleic (4.9% +/- 0.7), oleic (49.5% +/- 1.1), and stearic (10.0% +/- 0.9). The MALDI-TOFMS method described in this communication is simpler and less time-consuming than the established transesterification method that is coupled with analysis by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). The new method could be used routinely to determine the qualitative fatty acid composition of vegetable oils, and, when fully validated by comparison with standard analytical methodologies, should provide a relatively fast quantitative measurement of fatty acid mixtures and/or soap formulations that contain saturated and unsaturated hydrocarbon moieties.

Esterification↗

Removal of surface bacteria by irrigation.

We examined the efficacy of various irrigation solutions delivered through a power irrigator to remove bacteria from three different surfaces. Titanium, stainless-steel, and cortical bone surfaces were coated with three different bacterial species: Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus epidermidis. They were then irrigated with 1 L of fluid delivered by jet lavage. The fluids tested were normal saline and solutions of bacitracin, neomycin, and soap. One set of specimens was not irrigated, as a control. After irrigation, the specimens were sonicated to remove residual bacteria, and the sonicate was quantitatively cultured to allow evaluation of the amount of residual bacteria on the surface. The results showed that removal of bacteria reflects an interaction between bacterial species, surface characteristics, and irrigation solution. Fewer bacteria were present in all the irrigation groups than in the control. Soap solution was as good as or better than any other solution at removing all three types of bacteria from all three surfaces, although not all of the pairwise comparisons were statistically significant. There was a significant advantage to soap solution over antibiotic irrigant or saline alone in removing Staphylococcus epidermidis from metallic surfaces. The use of soap solution for irrigation seems to improve the removal of some bacteria from some surfaces in this experimental model and may represent a better type of irrigation additive.

Anti-Bacterial Agents↗

An investigation into the interaction between taste masking fatty acid microspheres and alkaline buffer using thermal and spectroscopic analysis.

Fatty acid-based microspheres may be used for the controlled delivery and taste masking of therapeutic agents, although the mechanisms involved in the release process are poorly understood. In this investigation, microspheres composed of high purity stearic and palmitic acid were prepared using a spray-chilling protocol. In addition, samples of binary fatty acid systems, fatty acid salts and acid-soaps were prepared to allow comparison with the microspheres. The interaction with alkaline buffer, into which release is known to be rapid, was studied using DSC and powder XRD with a view to examining the physicochemical changes undergone by the microspheres as a result of exposure to this medium. New species were identified for the postimmersion microsphere systems; similarities between the thermal and spectroscopic properties of these materials and the acid-soap references indicated the formation of acid-soaps during the exposure to the medium. The data indicate that simple exposure to buffer may result in the formation of acid soaps. This in turn has implications for understanding not only the release of drugs from the microspheres but also the biological fate of fatty acids on ingestion.

Alkalies↗

Decontamination procedures after in vitro topical exposure of human and rat skin to 4,4'-methylenebis[2-chloroaniline] and 4,4'-methylenedianiline.

4,4'-Methylenebis[2-chloroaniline] (MbOCA) and 4,4'-methylenedianiline (MDA) are widely used industrial chemicals classified as suspect human carcinogens. There is considerable occupational skin exposure to these compounds, and consequently, it is important to establish an efficient washing procedure after skin contamination. Four washing solutions were studied (100% ethanol, 100% water, 1 and 10% (v/v) aqueous soap) using fresh human and male F344 rat skin in flow-through diffusion cells. All solutions were equally effective at removing MbOCA and MDA from the surface of human skin, with 21-47% of the applied dose removed at 72 hr. In contrast, with rat skin 100% water and 1% soap solution were significantly less (p < 0.05) effective than 10% soap solution and 100% ethanol at removing MbOCA and MDA. Washing the skin surface at 3 or 30 min significantly reduced (p < 0.05) the absorption of MbOCA and MDA into and through human and rat skin at 72 hr by two- to threefold, compared with control unwashed skin. Washing the skin after this critical time point did not significantly reduce the absorption. These studies suggest that MbOCA and MDA are rapidly absorbed from the skin surface into the skin. Therefore, in order to reduce systemic exposure, the skin must be washed within the first 30 min after contamination has occurred. For human skin, the choice of washing solution employed was not as critical as the time of washing. This is in contrast to the rat, where the higher concentration soap and ethanol solutions were more effective for skin decontamination.

Administration, Topical↗

Interruption of shigellosis by hand washing.

High attack rates, increasing resistance to antibiotics and high mortality make shigellosis a serious problem. As Shigella is associated with poor hygiene we examined the effectiveness of a simple intervention, washing hands with soap and water, in checking the spread of the disease. The study population was comprised of confirmed cases of shigellosis. These and matched controls were followed up for 10 days. Several pieces of soap and earthenware pitchers for storing water were provided to the study families and they were advised to wash their hands with soap and water after defaecation and before meals. Compliance was monitored daily by observing the size of the soap and residual water. Rectal swabs of contacts of both the groups were obtained for culture. The secondary infection rate was 10.1% in the study group and 32.4% in the control group. The secondary case (symptomatic) rate was 2.2% in the study group and 14.2% in the control group. These results suggest that hand-washing has a positive interrupting effect, even in unsanitary environments.

Adolescent↗

Surgical hand disinfection: effect of sequential use of two chlorhexidine preparations.

The antimicrobial efficacy of three 'two-phase' surgical hand disinfection procedures was compared, in a volunteer study, to 60% n-propanol, applied for 5 min, which is the reference hand-disinfection procedure used in Austria and West Germany (FRG). The procedures involved sequential use of unmedicated soap or a disinfectant-detergent containing 4% chlorhexidine gluconate (CHX; 'Hibiscrub') followed by a handrub preparation containing 70% w/w isopropanol plus 0.5% CHX ('Hibisol'). The immediate and sustained effects (3 h) of washing with unmedicated soap (3 min) followed by rubbing on 'Hibisol' (4 min) were significantly smaller (log10 reductions of 1.72 and 1.12) than with each of the other procedures. Use of 'Hibiscrub' (3 min) and 'Hibisol' (4 min) produced log10 reductions of 2.50 and 1.71, equalling those of the reference procedure with n-propanol (2.49 and 1.78). When 'Hibisol' was used for 5 min rather than 4 min, a considerable, though not significant, increase in effect was achieved (log10 reductions of 2.90 and 2.07). Replacement of unmedicated soap by 'Hibiscrub' could significantly improve the effectiveness of the hand disinfection procedure commonly used by surgeons in German-speaking countries; namely to wash hands first with soap and then disinfect them with an alcoholic preparation. It may also be of additional advantage as this adds another 'layer' of CHX when 'Hibisol' rather than alcohol alone is used.

1-Propanol↗

Alcohol-impregnated wipes as an alternative in hand hygiene.

The antimicrobial effectiveness of four hand-wash products for health care personnel included three liquid soaps that contained 4% chlorhexidine gluconate, 1% triclosan, or no antiseptic ingredient, respectively, and a 30% w/w ethyl alcohol-impregnated hand wipe. These products were evaluated for reduction in bacterial counts on hands after extended use of 15 handwashes per day for 5 consecutive days. The order of greatest to least log reduction among products at the end of the 5-day test period was chlorhexidine gluconate (2.01), triclosan (1.52), alcohol wipe (0.04), and control soap (0.03). Skin condition before and after handwash was assessed for each treatment group. Subjects reported less skin irritation with alcohol wipes than with the two antiseptic products. Repeated washing with alcohol wipes results in reductions in bacterial colony counts comparable with nonmedicated soap, sufficient to prevent transmission of pathogens by the hands in most situations that arise in nonacute health care settings. This evidence, in addition to increased user acceptability reported by the subjects who used alcohol wipes, suggests that alcohol wipes are an acceptable alternative to soap-and-water handwashing in nonacute health care settings.

Adult↗

Skin deposition and penetration of trichlorocarbanilide.

Studies are reported on the localization and quantitative distribution of 3,4,4'-trichloro[14C]carbanilide([14C]TCC) in guinea-pig and human skin, and on the percutaneous absorption of TCC following topical application to guinea pigs. [14C]TCC was applied to guinea-pig skin in various vehicles (conventional, superfatted, 10 percent non-soap detergent (NSD) and 30 percent NSD soap suspensions or in N,N-dimethylformamide [DMF]) and under various conditions (e.g. freshly prepared or equilibrated suspensions; single or multiple washes). Most of the amount of TCC remaining in the skin after rinsing was deposited on the skin surface and only relatively minute amounts actually penetrated through the epidermis into the dermis. Whereas conventional soap facilitated a greater deposition of TCC on the skin surface than NSD, the latter caused greater amounts of TCC to be deposited in the pilosebaceous system and lower dermis than conventional soap. The absence of TCC in the blood and tissues of guinea pigs given topical applications of TCC lends further support to the very low order of percutaneous absorption of TCC. The localisation of TCC followed a similar pattern in human skin as in guinea-pig skin, but the amount deposited was less and the rate of disappearance was more for human than for guinea-pig skin.

Animals↗

Percutaneous absorption of triclocarban in rat and man.

The route and rate of excretion by rats of the germicide (1 4 C) Triclocarban formerly called trichlorocarbanilide, given by parenteral injection has been investigated. Blood levels based on radioactivity and by chemical determination after parenteral injection have been compared with those obtained after topical application of (1 4 C) Triclocarban in soaps and in dimethylformamide (DMF) through occluded rat skin has been studied. Other soaps and a hand cleanser containing (1 4 C) Triclocarban have been applied to rat skin without occlusion and the effects of duration of contact, concentration and the use of a solubilizer have been investigated. In humans, absorption of Triclocarban through skin after bathing daily for 28 days has been investigated by chemical analysis of blood and urine. The data show that elimination by the rat is rapid and complete principally via the faeces. Blood levels after parenteral injection are low and comparison of the radioactivity and chemical determinations suggest rapid metabolism of the Triclocarban. After application to the skin, blood levels based on 1 4 C are very low. Absorption of (1 4 C) Triclocarban through occluded rat skin was greater from DMF than from soaps. With non-occluded rat skin, absorption from soaps was less and was dependent on concentration but independent of duration of contact. The use of a solubilizer did not increase absorption through skin. No measurable Triclocarban (less than 25 ppb) was present in blood and urine samples of volunteers during or shortly after a 28-day intensive bathing regimen.

Animals↗

[Consumption of hand-hygiene products in health establishments in the west of France].

OBJECTIVES: The study had for aim to investigate hand hygiene product use in French hospitals between 2000 and 2003. DESIGN: A questionnaire was sent in 2002 and 2 more in 2003 and 2004 (for 2000 to 2003) requiring data on type of hospital, number of beds, staff members, admissions and patient-day, litres of mild soap, antiseptic soap and alcohol-based rub used and price per litre. Indices were calculated accordingly. RESULTS: 574 hospitals answered over the 4 year period (average 143 per year) representing an average of 50 000 beds/year, 80 000 full-time staff positions, 1.2 million admissions and 16 millions patient-days. The median consumption of mild soap was 3.8 l per bed, 2.7 l per staff member, 2.4 l per 100 admissions, and 10.6 ml per patient-day. The median consumption of antiseptic soap was 1 l per bed, 0.8 l per staff member, 4.8 l per 100 admissions, and 3.2 ml per patient-day. The median consumption of alcohol-based rub (HAS) was 0.3 l per bed, 0.3 l per staff-member, 1.5 l per admission, and 0.9 l per patient-day. Between 2000 and 2003, HAS use significantly increased from 69 to 88% (a relative increase of 31%) and the median consumption increased from 0.5 ml to 1.5 ml per patient-day. 370 fully completed grids gave a number of 7 opportunities per patient-day with less than 1 for HAS. CONCLUSION: The best indicator for an infection control practitioners is the quantity of alcohol-based solution in ml/patient-day and HAS per patient-day is the reference.

Alcohols↗