Moisturizing Alcohol Hand Gels for Surgical Hand Preparation

Abstract

With the use of novel formulary technology, unique moisturizing hand gels have been developed that offer significant advantages in perioperative and other health care settings. These advantages include the time-saving capabilities of a waterless formulation, the persistence and effectiveness of a surgical scrub, and the moisturization and protective properties of a lotion. Extensive laboratory and clinical studies, involving in vivo antimicrobial activity against resident and transient flora, skin moisturization on normal and dry skin, and compatibility with latex gloves, have supported these advantages. Nondrying alcohol hand gels can be used for antiseptic hand washing, hand scrubs between procedures (i.e., reentry scrubs), brushless surgical scrubs, moisturizers, and glove-donning aids.

Nursing2007 Infection control survey report

“…22 And some hand lotions impair the persistence of some antimicrobial hand antiseptics. Petroleum-based lotions, for example, aren't compatible with latex gloves.…”

Educational opportunities from the Center for Perioperative Education

“…Another group of researchers studied brushless, waterless applications of 2 mL to 5 mL doses of a 60%‐ethyl alcohol hand gel as a surgical scrub. Results showed dramatically enhanced, immediate, cumulative, and persistent antimicrobial activity in comparison to a traditional six‐minute scrub with a brush using a 2% CHG solution 27 …”

Factors Affecting Performance of Hand Hygiene by Parents of Hospitalized Infants

“…Gloves should not be washed or reused (321,361). Use of petroleum-based hand lotions or creams may adversely affect the integrity of latex gloves (372). After use of powdered gloves, certain alcohol hand rubs may interact with residual powder on the hands of personnel, resulting in a gritty feeling on the hands.…”

“…The cost of handhygiene products should not be the primary factor influencing product selection (IB) (92,93,166,274,(276)(277)(278). C. When selecting non-antimicrobial soaps, antimicrobial soaps, or alcohol-based hand rubs, solicit information from manufacturers regarding any known interactions between products used to clean hands, skin care products, and the types of gloves used in the institution (II) (174,372). D. Before making purchasing decisions, evaluate the dispenser systems of various product manufacturers or distributors to ensure that dispensers function adequately and deliver an appropriate volume of product (II) (286).…”