Effectiveness of portable hand rubbing sanitizers during Hajj-A pilot study

Abstract

Hands are the main pathways of germ transmission during Hajj. Hand hygiene results in the reduction of microorganisms on hands when performed regularly. The study evaluated the effectiveness of the using a portable hand rubbing sanitizers on reducing the amount of bacteria loads of hand during Hajj. Fifteen hajji participants volunteered to be a part of the Pilot Study. They were asked to rub their hands frequently during the study period. Their hands were tested and ATP levels were recorded before and after rubbing for three days. The results of the first day testing showed that ATP levels on the participants’ hands ranged from higher levels before rubbing and changed to a lower level after rubbing. The average readings of ATP before rubbing in the first, second and third day were of 312, 104 and 71 RLU while after rubbing the hands were 34, 26 and 8 RLU respectively. It was concluded that the using of portable hand rubbing dispensers significantly reduces the amount of bacteria, require less time, act more rapidly and therefore reducing the infection rates that can be spread throughout Hajj community.