In vitro carrier tests, suspension tests, time-kill curves, and determinations of minimum inhibitory concentrations to evaluate the microbicidal activities of hand antiseptics provide only a preliminary indication of the antimicrobial spectrum and speed of action of a given formulation. This review provides a critical assessment of the methods currently used to meet regulatory requirements for hand antiseptics in Europe and North America. J Hosp Infect. 2009;73(3):191-9. Epub 2009 Sep 3.