The effectiveness of various disinfection methods on the surface of gloved hands

The gloved hands were contaminated by using E.coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa Brain Heart Infusion broth cultures and the efficacy of tap water, unmedicated bar soap, benzalkonium chloride 1% (Zefiran), Na-hypochloride 1% and 5%, alcohol 70%, hexachlorophene 3%, hexachlorophene 3% liquid soap (Solu-heks), chlorhexidine 1.5% liquid soap (Savlon), chlorhexidine 4% liquid soap (Hibiscrub), povidone-iodine 10% solution (Betadine and polyod), povidone-iodine 7.5% liquid soap (Betadine and Polyod) were compared onto the gloved hands. Disinfectants were applied for 30, 45 and 60 seconds. It was found that washing time of 30 seconds with chlorhexidine 4% (Hibiscrub) liquid soap or povidone-iodine 7.5% liquid soap (Betadine and Polyod) was required to eradicate all the organisms inoculated from both glove surfaces. Povidone-iodine and chlorhexidine were more effective washing agents than the other disinfectants. In underdeveloped or developing countries and areas where gloves can not easily supplied, it has been suggested that gloved hands could be washed between patient treatments and gloves re-used in dentistry, gynecology and like the other areas of medicine. Chlorhexidine 4% and povidone-iodine 7.5% liquid soaps are recommended as a hand-washing agents in these areas.