The hands of the medical staff play an important role in transmission of pathogens in the healthcare environment. Hand hygiene is efficient, easy to perform and cost-effective. Safety, tolerability and acceptance of hand hygiene preparations play a major role in hand hygiene compliance, and apply, in particular, to formulations with high anti-viral activity. Conrad et al. (2015) conducted a clinical trial to evaluate the safety and tolerability of different virucidal handrubs.
In a randomized, double-blind, four-period cross-over trial, healthy volunteers received three different virucidal hand rubs (P1-P3) and a reference product (R) in randomized sequence over a period of four days each with a washout period. The primary endpoint was skin barrier function measured by transepidermal water loss (TEWL) after application.
Twenty-two subjects (seven male, 15 female; median age 25, range 21–54) were randomized and started at least one period. TEWL was 22.5; 95%-confidence interval (CI): 19.6-25.4 after P1, 16.3; 13.5–19.1 after P2, 16.4; 13.4–19.3 after P3, and 24.0; 21.1–27.0 after R; p < 0.0001. The percentage of subjects experiencing at least one adverse event (AE) was 86% with P1, 25% with P2, 89% with P3 and 56% with R. The majority of AEs were skin reactions classified as of mild severity. No serious AEs were observed.
The researchers conclude that the results were inconsistent. The number of AEs was higher than expected for all products. The researchers say there is room for improvement both for handrub development and the scientific approaches taken to practically and reproducibly evaluate handrub safety and tolerability. Their research was published in Antimicrobial Resistance and Infection Control.
Reference: Conrad A, Grotejohann B, Schmoor C, Cosic D and Dettenkofer M. Safety and tolerability of virucidal hand rubs: a randomized, double-blind, cross-over trial with healthy volunteers. Antimicrobial Resistance and Infection Control 2015, 4:37 doi:10.1186/s13756-015-0079-y
The Guardians of Animal Health: Who Are Veterinary Infection Preventionists?
March 21st 2025Veterinary infection control experts Leslie Kollmann, BS, AAS, CVT, CIC, Denise Waiting, LVT, and Leslie Landis, LVT, BS, discuss challenges, zoonotic disease risks, and the importance of education, collaboration, and resource development in animal care facilities.
The Latest on CLABSIs and CAUTIs: Evidence-Based Approaches for Infection Prevention
February 27th 2025Health care–associated infections like CLABSIs and CAUTIs threaten patient safety. Learn evidence-based strategies, new technologies, and prevention protocols to reduce these infections and improve outcomes.
Resilience and Innovation: The Pivotal Contributions of Black Americans to Health Care and Medicine
February 24th 2025During Black History Month, we honor the resilience and contributions of Black medical professionals in health care. Despite barriers, they have led transformative changes, advocating for equitable access and medical excellence. Recognizing their impact ensures a more inclusive health care future for all.
Glove Usage Guideline: From The Joint Commission, CDC, and World Health Organization
February 17th 2025Proper glove use is crucial in health care settings to prevent infections. Guidelines from TJC, CDC, and WHO stress correct selection, usage, and disposal to minimize health care–associated infections (HAIs) and cross-contamination risks. Infection preventionists (IPs) play a key role in educating staff, enforcing compliance, and improving patient safety through standardized glove practices.