An Evaluation of Brush, Brushless, and Waterless Surgical Hand Scrubs among Health Care Workers in Operating Rooms at a University Hospital in Thailand
Main Article Content
Abstract
The surgical hand scrub plays a significant role in preventing nosocomial and surgical site infections, and in most hospitals in Thailand a brush is traditionally used. Brushing may result in damage to the skin leading to increased colonization with gram-negative bacteria and candida species.
Purpose:
The aim of this clinical trial was to compare the effects of the traditional hand scrubs (Brush with 4% CHG, Method A), brushless with 4% CHG (Method B), and brushless and waterless with 1% CHG and 61% ethyl alcohol and emollients (Method C) with regard to microbiological data, skin condition, cost and time savings.
Methodology:
The study design was 3-treatment, 3-period, cross-over design comparing each type of surgical hand scrubs and skin condition, microbiological data cost and time among 45 health care workers in Thai hospital operating rooms.
Article Details
Copyright Notice: Nursing Science Journal of Thailand has exclusive rights to publish and distribute the manuscript and all contents therein. Without the journal’s permission, the dissemination of the manuscript in another journal or online, and the reproduction of the manuscript for non-educational purpose are prohibited.
Disclaimer: The opinion expressed and figures provided in this journal, NSJT, are the sole responsibility of the authors. The editorial board bears no responsibility in this regard.
References
Recommended practices for hand hygiene in the perioperative setting. In: Perioperative standards and recommended practices. Denver: AORN Inc; 2010. p. 75-89.
Larson L L, et al. APIC guideline for hand washing and antisepsis in health care settings. Am J Infect Cont 1998; 23: 251-63.
Trakoolsomboon S, et al. Effectiveness and microbial contamination of an in-house alcohol-based hand rub. J Med Assoc. Thailand 2005; 88 (Suppl 10), S161-5.
Larson L L, et al. Changes in bacterial flora associated with skin damage on hands of health care personnel. Am J Infect Cont 1998; 26: 513-21.
Pottinger J, Burns S, Manske C. Bacterial carriage by artificial versus natural nails. Am J Infect Cont 1989; 17: 340-4.
Larson L L, et al. Comparison of Different Regimens for Surgical Hand Preparation. AORN J 2001; 73: 412-32.
Recommended practices for surgical hand scrubs. In: Perioperative standards and recommended practices. Denver: AORN Inc, 2006. p.271-6
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Guideline for hand hygiene in health care settings. MMWR 2002 October 25; 51(RR- 16): 1-44.
Hingst V. Juditzki I., Heeg P, Sonntag HG. Evaluation of the efficacy of surgical hand disinfection following a reduced application time of 3 instead of 5 min. J Hosp Infect 1992; 20 (2): 79-86.