Evaluation of Two Hand Hygiene Products in ICUs

HCWs will be randomized to use one product on one day and the other product on another day at least 3 days apart. Each product will be applied using 1 pump from its dispenser and rubbed over the hands until dry. Gloves will be worn while the HCW is in the patient room. Upon exit from the room, HCW will washoout with that same product. One imprint will be made of the non-dominant hand onto media containing neutralizers. That hand will be gloved with a white cotton glove. The HCW will work in the common areas with timing recorded. Upon leaving the common area, the dominant ungloved hand will be imprinted onto a fresh media plate containing neutralizers.

Alcohol foam hand sanitizer applied with 1 pump into hands, spread over hands up to the wrist and rubbed until dry. Foam will be applied twice approximately 15-30 minutes apart on one day