Abstract
The present study was designed to investigate the effective hand-washing with non-medicated soap towards removing bacteria from the hand of nursing practitioners in hospitals. Washing through the application of soap and rinsing with water for various periods of time, and also the number of paper towels used for drying were compared.
Results 〔1〕 Under 15 seconds of rinsing, the number of colony forming units (CFU) after hand-washing was significantly reduced in the group which applied of soap for 8 or 15 seconds. However, in the group of the 30 seconds, bacterial reduction was not seen.
〔2〕 Under 15 seconds of soap application, CFU after rinsing by running water for 15, 30, or 60 seconds, were significantly reduced in all groups, especially in the group of the 60 seconds rinse.
〔3〕 By using two or three paper towels for hand drying, CFU were significantly reduced. By using a single common cloth towel, the bacterial reduction on the hand was decreased according as the number of bacteria on the towel were increased.
Conclusion For effective hand-washing with non-medicated soap, rubbing together of lathered hands for 8-15 seconds, followed by thorough rinsing with running water, and finally drying by at least two paper towels were recommended. Cloth towels for common use should not be available.
