Short-term bactericidal properties differ between 2 alcohol-based surgical antiseptic products using the glove-juice technique.

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of 2 alcohol-based hand preparations (61% weight/weight ethanol and 1% chlorhexidine gluconate [Avagard; 3M] and 85% weight/weight ethanol [Sterillium; BODE Chemie GmbH]) in reducing bacterial colony count with the glove-juice method. We hypothesized that there would be no difference between hand preparations immediately following or 1 hour after application.

Methods: A prospective clinical trial was performed with sampling on August 3, 2023. Preliminary CFUs were obtained from both hands of 8 participants via glove-juice sampling from sterile gloves. Participants washed their hands with a neutral soap before the application of any antiseptics. Avagard was applied to the right hand and Sterillium was applied to the left hand by sterile assistants according to the manufacturer's guidelines. Glove-juice samples were taken immediately after application and 1 hour after application. Samples were cultured and evaluated within 48 hours of plating. Log10-reduction CFUs were compared between antiseptics and across time points.

Results: Results were based on 7 participants due to a missing time point. Both Sterillium and Avagard showed a reduction in CFUs immediately after application. For Avagard, there was a sustained reduction in CFUs at 1 hour after application.

Conclusions: Both hand preparations were effective antiseptics immediately following application. Avagard was effective at reducing bacterial CFUs 1 hour after application.

Clinical relevance: Unless for reapplication, only Avagard should be considered if surgery is expected to be longer than 1 hour or reapplication of Sterillium is recommended.