Healthcare worker hand size can impact infection control efforts

Size can affect bacterial load, product effectiveness


Healthcare professionals urged to consider the size of their hands when it comes to using alcohol-based hand sanitizer, to ensure adequate coverage by the product, according to an article on the Infection Control Today website.

In a study of whether the volume of alcohol-based handrub used by healthcare workers affects the residual bacterial concentration on their hands according to hand size, researchers found that bacterial reduction was significantly lower for large hands compared with small hands, which suggests a need for customizing the volume of alcohol-based hand rub.

There is evidence that the volume of sanitizer used should be large enough to cover the whole surface area of both hands, but there is no consensus on how much is the minimum necessary.

 "It is a matter of concern that healthcare workers with large hands could not achieve a minimum of 2 log10 reduction of bacteria on their hands by the application of 3mL of ABHR, the volume recommended by most manufacturers," researchers said.

Read the article.

 



February 9, 2016


Topic Area: Safety


Recent Posts

Sustainability as a Baseline in Healthcare Facilities

Hospitals can balance costs, build resilience and learn from global models for sustainable design to further their green goals.


Penobscot Valley Hospital Reports Data Security Incident

It immediately implemented its incident response procedures, took steps to secure systems and hired third-party forensic specialists to assist with an investigation.


Ballad Health Acquires Land for Future Unicoi County Hospital

The new hospital is expected to feature an emergency department, 10 inpatient beds and outpatient services.


Why Healthcare Facilities Management Is Critical to Patient Safety 

Hospitals and other healthcare facilities rely on much more than doctors and nurses to keep patients safe.


Brookdale Senior Living Announces Acquisition of the Brookdale Galleria Community

The 244-unit independent living and assisted living community is located directly adjacent to The Galleria shopping and entertainment complex.


 
 


FREE Newsletter Signup Form

News & Updates | Webcast Alerts
Building Technologies | & More!

 
 
 


All fields are required. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.