Evaluation of the bactericidal efficacy of three different alcohol hand rubs against 57 clinical isolates of S. Aureus

The researchers tested the efficacy of three alcohol hand rubs (AHRs) used in two local Welsh intensive therapy units (ITUs) against Staphylococcus aureus. The test protocol was based on a carrier test and parameters (concentration, contact time) were chosen following observation of hand sanitising practices in the ITUs. Although the introduction of AHRs improved hand hygiene compliance among HCWs, these observations highlighted that contact time is an important factor to ensure the efficacy of these products. J Hosp Infect. 2009 ;72(4):319-25. Epub 2009 Jul 10.