Hand hygiene solutions

Indication Solution Application time Advantages Disadvantages

Inexpensive
Minimal
General Soap and Decontaminates
40 to 60 seconds antibacterial
handwash water Inactivates some
effect
viruses
Chlorhexidine Efficient Less effective if
Allow to dry
Hand rub 0.5% and antimicrobial for hands are visibly
20 to 30 seconds
alcohol 70% bacteria and viruses soiled
Antibacterial action
Aseptic Chlorhexidine
60 seconds with persistent
handwash 2%
activity
Antibacterial action
Aseptic
Triclosan 1% 60 seconds with persistent
handwash
activity
5 minutes first
Surgical Chlorhexidine Antibacterial
procedure of day,
hand scrub 4% High concentration
then 2-3 minutes

*WHO Guidelines on Hand Hygiene in Health Care: World Health Organization 2009
 Skin and central line care solutions
Indication Solution Application time Advantages Disadvantages
Cord care in low Chlorhexidine
Allow to dry Term cord care
resource settings 2-4%
Lower
Safe to use on
Chlorhexidine Scrub 10 sec, repeat concentrations
Skin preparation premature Reduced
0.5-2% Allow to dry
babies skin antibacterial action

Chlorhexidine Scrub 10 sec, repeat Effective

Skin preparation Skin damage
with alcohol Allow to dry antimicrobial
Skin preparation Povodine Scrub 10 sec, repeat Effective
Iodine absorption
iodine Allow to dry antimicrobial
Scrub 10 seconds
Line maintenance Chlorhexidine Effective
Allow to dry 20 sec
‘Scrub the hub’ 0.5-2% antimicrobial
Repeat
Scrub 10 seconds
Line maintenance Chlorhexidine Effective
Allow to dry 20 sec
‘Scrub the hub’ with alcohol antimicrobial
Repeat

*WHO Guidelines on Hand Hygiene in Health Care: World Health Organization 2009