What remains behind the scenes when choosing a skin antiseptic

Abstract

Disinfection of the hands of medical personnel at the present stage is one of the leading measures in the prevention of infections associated with the provision of medical care (HCAI). Regulatory documents regulate the use of alcohol antiseptics. When choosing skin antiseptics, it is necessary to arm yourself with a number of criteria to minimize the risk of transmission of HCAI by contact and household contact, as well as to avoid negative effects on the skin of the hands of medical personnel. The paper presents an analysis and selection of criteria when choosing a skin antiseptic for hygienic hand treatment, based on regulatory documents and the results of randomized trials. The main selection criteria are identified: the type of alcohol and its concentration (by weight) depending on the type of pathogen, the amount of antiseptic for one treatment, the duration of exposure and the presence of additional components and substances. Keywords: hand hygiene, alcohol-based handrubs (ABHR), persistent activity, Ethanol, 1-propanol and 2-propanol, non-enveloped viruses.