Micrograph Analysis of Disinfectants on Escherichia Coli

RESULTS: Two of the six studies showed a reduction in HAIs with the addition of an alcohol sanitizer, three studies showed no additional benefit, and one study showed that the addition of alcohol sanitizers significantly increased nosocomial infections. The two studies where alcohol showed a benefit were conducted with a PCMX control. In one of the studies where the authors concluded no difference, the raw data showed a 27% increase in HAIs with alcohol. In another, alcohol increased infections over the baseline in 4 of 6 categories studied. LESSON LEARNED: Alcohol sanitizers have not been conclusively demonstrated to reduce HAIs over handwashing, and have never shown superiority over a top-tier handwash. The failure to reduce HAIs, despite increasing compliance, may be due to the lack of persistent activity. As the FDA Monograph states, “Persistence, defined as prolonged activity, is a valuable attribute that assures antimicrobial activity during the interval between washings, and is important to a safe and effective healthcare personnel handwash.”