Waterless hand rub and chlorhexidine gluconate are more effective at eliminating hand bacteria than povidone-iodine, according to research published in the Journal of Hospital Infection.
Researchers analyzed data from clinical trials, including 5,135 participants. They compared colony-forming unit counts, surgical site infection rates, preference and compliance to measure the efficacy of waterless hand rub, povidone-iodine and chlorhexidine gluconate.
The key details to know:
1. Waterless hand rubs were associated with higher rates of compliance than other products.
2. Residual colony-forming unit counts were lower in the waterless hand rub and chlorhexidine gluconate groups.
3. There weren't any significant differences in the SSI rates between the waterless hand rub and traditional hand scrub groups.
"Waterless hand rubs and chlorhexidine gluconate groups exhibited higher antiseptic efficacies than povidone-iodine. However, additional studies with consistent outcome measurements and accurate grouping are required to obtain comprehensive results. Moreover, preference, compliance and the cost determine the selection of hand wash products," researchers concluded.
