Washing hands with soap and water, or other detergents containing an antiseptic agent. Hand hygiene practices Antiseptic handwashing After application, the individual rubs the hands together until the skin feels dry. Waterless antiseptic agentĪn antiseptic agent (liquid, gel or foam) that does not require the use of exogenous water. Plain soapĭetergents that contain no added antimicrobial agents, or may contain these solely as preservatives. Although products used for handwashing or antiseptic handwash in health care represent various types of detergents, the term “soap” will be used to refer to such detergents in these guidelines. They are composed of a hydrophilic and a lipophilic part and can be divided into four groups: anionic, cationic, amphoteric, and non-ionic. Detergent (surfactant)Ĭompounds that possess a cleaning action. They may be considered as an alternative to washing hands with non-antimicrobial soap and water but, because they are not as effective at reducing bacterial counts on HCWs’ hands as alcohol-based handrubs or washing hands with an antimicrobial soap and water, they are not a substitute for using an alcohol-based handrub or antimicrobial soap. Antiseptic hand wipeĪ piece of fabric or paper pre-wetted with an antiseptic used for wiping hands to inactivate and/or remove microbial contamination. Examples include alcohols, chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG), chlorine derivatives, iodine, chloroxylenol (PCMX), quaternary ammonium compounds, and triclosan. Antiseptic agentĪn antimicrobial substance that inactivates microorganisms or inhibits their growth on living tissues. The detergent activity of such soaps may also dislodge transient microorganisms or other contaminants from the skin to facilitate their subsequent removal by water. Soap (detergent) containing an antiseptic agent at a concentration sufficient to inactivate microorganisms and/or temporarily suppress their growth. Such preparations may contain one or more types of alcohol, other active ingredients with excipients, and humectants. Hand hygiene products Alcohol-based (hand) rubĪn alcohol-containing preparation (liquid, gel or foam) designed for application to the hands to inactivate microorganisms and/or temporarily suppress their growth.
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