Changes in ATP Levels after Hand-washing Effect with Different Fingernail Tips Lengths

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the difference in the decontamination status after handwashing among nurses with varied fingernail lengths and to determine the appropriate fingernail length during nursing practice from the viewpoint of infection prevention. Participants were classified into four groups: Group 1 (‹0.5 mm), Group 2 (0.5–‹1.0 mm), Group 3 (1.0–‹1.5 mm), and Group 4 (1.5–‹2.0 mm). To determine the amount of dirt under the fingernails and fingertips before and after handwashing, we measured the adenosine triphosphate (ATP) (A3 method) levels. No significant difference was found between the groups before handwashing, but Group 1 had the highest ATP (A3 method) value. After handwashing, the amount of dirt significantly decreased in all four groups, but the difference in the rate of decrease was insignificant among these groups. In other words, dirt tends to adhere to the tip of the nail of ≤0.5 mm in length, and we found no difference in the way the dirt fell off if the nail was ‹2.0 mm. Therefore, a length of ≥0.5–‹2.0 mm may be used as the appropriate fingernail lengths for nurses and nursing students.