Technique to determine contamination exposure routes and the economic efficiency of folded paper-towel dispensing

The transmission of bacteria is more likely to occur from wet skin than from dry skin; therefore, the proper drying of hands after washing should be an integral part of the hand hygiene process in health care. This article systematically reviews the research on the hygienic efficacy of different hand-drying methods. A literature search was conducted in April 2011 using the electronic databases PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. Search terms used were hand dryer and hand drying. The search was limited to articles published in English from January 1970 through March 2011. Twelve studies were included in the review. Hand-drying effectiveness includes the speed of drying, degree of dryness, effective removal of bacteria, and prevention of cross-contamination. This review found little agreement regarding the relative effectiveness of electric air dryers. However, most studies suggest that paper towels can dry hands efficiently, remove bacteria effectively, and cause less contamination of the washroom environment. From a hygiene viewpoint, paper towels are superior to electric air dryers. Paper towels should be recommended in locations where hygiene is paramount, such as hospitals and clinics.

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“…66 Architects working in the health care industry should also be aware of these issues when designing equipment for new facilities. 67 …”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The Hygienic Efficacy of Different Hand-Drying Methods: A Review of the Evidence

Huang

Stack³

2012

Mayo Clinic Proceedings

114

112

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“…Paper towels for turning off faucets and opening restroom doors is a little-used option that can prevent recontamination of hands after washing. In health care facilities, surfaces contacted during hand drying have led to cross-contamination (50,55,56,58). Another issue is the risk from sprays.…”

Section: Contamination Of Antisepticsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Outbreaks Where Food Workers Have Been Implicated in the Spread of Foodborne Disease. Part 10. Alcohol-Based Antiseptics for Hand Disinfection and a Comparison of Their Effectiveness with Soaps

Todd

Michaels²,

Holah

et al. 2010

Journal of Food Protection

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Alcohol compounds are increasingly used as a substitute for hand washing in health care environments and some public places because these compounds are easy to use and do not require water or hand drying materials. However, the effectiveness of these compounds depends on how much soil (bioburden) is present on the hands. Workers in health care environments and other public places must wash their hands before using antiseptics and/or wearing gloves. However, alcohol-based antiseptics, also called rubs and sanitizers, can be very effective for rapidly destroying some pathogens by the action of the aqueous alcohol solution without the need for water or drying with towels. Alcohol-based compounds seem to be the most effective treatment against gram-negative bacteria on lightly soiled hands, but antimicrobial soaps are as good or better when hands are more heavily contaminated. Instant sanitizers have no residual effect, unlike some antimicrobial soaps that retain antimicrobial activity after the hygienic action has been completed, e.g., after hand washing. Many alcohol-based hand rubs have antimicrobial agents added to them, but each formulation must be evaluated against the target pathogens in the environment of concern before being considered for use. Wipes also are widely used for quick cleanups of hands, other body parts, and surfaces. These wipes often contain alcohol and/or antimicrobial compounds and are used for personal hygiene where water is limited. However, antiseptics and wipes are not panaceas for every situation and are less effective in the presence of more than a light soil load and against most enteric viruses.

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“…2,7 Appropriate use of paper for drying hands after washing is also important in minimizing hand contamination. 4,10 Bloodstream infection and ventilator-associated pneumonia are associated with device contamination (for example involving central venous catheters, urinary catheters, and ventilators) in intensive care units. 11 An association was identified between increased numbers of bacterial colonies on environmental surfaces and unfamiliarity with work environments or infection control strategies.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Effectiveness of Bacterial Disinfectants on Surfaces of Mechanical Ventilator Systems

et al. 2012

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Technique to determine contamination exposure routes and the economic efficiency of folded paper-towel dispensing

Cited by 11 publications

References 7 publications

The Hygienic Efficacy of Different Hand-Drying Methods: A Review of the Evidence

The Hygienic Efficacy of Different Hand-Drying Methods: A Review of the Evidence

Outbreaks Where Food Workers Have Been Implicated in the Spread of Foodborne Disease. Part 10. Alcohol-Based Antiseptics for Hand Disinfection and a Comparison of Their Effectiveness with Soaps

Effectiveness of Bacterial Disinfectants on Surfaces of Mechanical Ventilator Systems

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