Ineffectiveness of Handwashing With Lotion Soap to Remove Nosocomial Bacterial Pathogens Persisting on Fingertips: A Major Link in Their Intrahospital Spread
- Resource Type
- Academic Journal
- Authors
- Bottone, Edward J.; Cheng, Mark; Hymes, Saul
- Source
- Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology. Mar 01, 2004 25(3):262-264
- Subject
- Language
- English
- ISSN
- 0899-823X
The effectiveness of five 30-second handwashes with a non-antiseptic lotion soap to remove nosocomial pathogens (10 CFU) applied to fingertips was studied. CFU for all species dropped rapidly after the first handwash; persistence (10 to 15 CFU) was maintained thereafter. Wiping hands with an antiseptic (70% isopropyl or 10% povidone-iodine) sponge removed persisters