SURGICAL HAND HYGIENE

The Unique Benefits Of Using A Surgical Hand Rub

This includes surgical hand preparation – where the objective is to eliminate transient flora, reduce resident skin flora and inhibit growth of bacteria under gloves.2

Most in the dental profession performing surgical hand washing will be very familiar with the antiseptic scrubs containing chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) or povidone-iodine (PVP) which are also routinely used in hospital operating theatre environment.

However, in more recent years surgical hand preparation has been heavily influenced by the preferred method in Europe where an alcoholbased surgical rub is considered the norm. Their introduction into Australia has been relatively slow, but as the clinical benefits of using an alcohol based surgical rub become better known and realised, its uptake has been on the rise.

So, what does the Australian Dental Association (ADA) recommend for surgical hand hygiene?

In the ADA’s most recent Guidelines for Infection Prevention and Control published 2021, the ADA states that for surgical hand hygiene that the ‘appropriate and preferred method is the application of a hand gel that is formulated specifically for surgical hand hygiene and uses an extended rubbing time – such as 90 seconds.1

These specifically formulated products for surgical use are comprised primarily with ethanol or a combination of alcohols and have been used in Europe for many years. They are typically a liquid solution instead of a gel or foam as liquid solutions allows for much greater coverage and contact on the skin, under the nails and between the fingers. They also leave less residue on the hands.

When selecting an alcohol based surgical rub product, it must be approved by the TGA for that specific purpose. The product will include the indication for surgical hand antisepsis or surgical hand disinfection on the product label, and most importantly it will state the contact time required to meet the efficacy standards required for surgical hand preparation.

The contact time is of significant importance. An adequate amount of product must be used to ensure that the hands remain wet for the prescribed contact time. This will require multiple applications of the product. The contact time on wet hands is the minimum time needed to reduce the bacterial counts to acceptable levels.

So why consider using a surgical hand rub?

The KEY consideration is skin integrity and hand health. Your hands are your livelihood, and they should be taken care of.

1. Allergies and contact dermatitis - Some people may experience sensitivity to CHG based products or PVP which may cause irritation and severe dryness to the skin. In these cases, having an alternative product approved for surgical hand preparation is essential.

2. Hand care - The move to waterless hand washing with the introduction of alcohol based had rubs has seen marked improvements in skin health.

Numerous studies confirm that these formulations are well tolerated and often associated with better acceptability and tolerance than other hand hygiene products.1

Options for approved surgical hand rubs

As long-time suppliers of hand hygiene solutions to the Australian dental and hospital market, the MICROSHIELD brand introduced a surgical alcohol hand rub into their range called MICROSHIELD® Antiseptic Hand Rub Solution – commonly referred to as MARS in hospitals.

What sets MICROSHIELD Antiseptic Hand Rub Solution apart from other surgical rubs in the market is its commitment to skin care without sacrificing product effectiveness.

So far, user feedback indicates that you can really feel the difference with MARS.

• MARS is indicated for surgical hand preparation in 90 seconds

• Colour-free

• Perfume-free

• Dermatologically tested

• Contains dexpanthenol for added skin care and protection

• Contains 75% v/v isopropanol and 10% v/v ethanol

• Available in 1L and 500ml pack sizes

References

1. Guidelines for Infection Prevention and Control.

4th Edition. Australian Dental Association 2021

2. WHO Guidelines on Hand Hygiene in Health Care. World Health Organisation 2009