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Updated: Aug 25, 2026

A Method to Test the Efficacy of Handwashing for the Removal of Emerging Infectious Pathogens
Published on: June 7, 2017
Cost implications of successful hand hygiene promotion
Didier Pittet1, Hugo Sax, Stéphane Hugonnet
1Infection Control Program, University of Geneva Hospitals, Switzerland.
Abstract:
We evaluated the costs associated with a sustained and successful campaign for hand hygiene promotion that emphasized alcohol-based handrubs. The total cost of the hand hygiene promotion corresponded to less than 1% of the costs associated with nosocomial infections. Successful hand hygiene promotion is probably cost-saving.
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