Chapter 26, Problem 1Q

Do waterless cleaners affect all bacteria?

Summary Introduction

To write:

The effects of waterless cleaners on bacteria.

Introduction:

Hand hygiene is an important infection control intervention to prevent the transmission of microorganisms and should be practiced before and after the patient contact, when hands seem to be visibly dirty, after using the washroom and at many other times when hands may be soiled.

Explanation of Solution

Waterless hand hygiene rubs are a proven alternative to hand washing agents and also, when there are time constraints or lack of access to sinks and running water. Visible organic material must be removed for waterless agents to exert their antimicrobial activity. Waterless agents have the additional qualities of benefits of not requiring access to water and sinks, ease of use, rapid action and no risk of antimicrobial resistance. Antiseptic agents are more effective in reducing microbial counts on the skin rather than using soaps, liquid hand washes that reduce the skin flora.

Antiseptic hand scrubs are the waterless agents with disinfectant properties that decrease the number of microorganisms present. The individual applies a small amount to the hands and rub the hands together until the agent has dried off. An antiseptic hand rub does not require the use of exogenous water. Most alcohol-based hand antiseptics contain either ethanol, isopropanol, propanolol and the combination of any two of these products. They are available in various concentrations or in combination with a small amount of other antiseptics. Antimicrobial activity is due to their ability to denature proteins. These hand rubs do not remove organic materials, they cannot be used if the hands have been soiled.

Conclusion

Thus, waterless cleaners as antiseptic agents as hand scrubs and hand rubs have disinfectant properties within them and are highly effective in reducing the microbial counts of bacteria on the skin.