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Comparison of different hand-drying methods: the potential for airborne microbe dispersal and contamination

E L Best1, K Redway2

  • 1Microbiology Department, Old Medical School, Leeds General Infirmary, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Leeds, UK.

The Journal of Hospital Infection
|January 15, 2015
PubMed

Insights

Hand drying methods vary in their potential for spreading microbes. Jet air dryers disperse more liquid and microbes further than paper towels or warm air dryers, especially after suboptimal handwashing.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Infection Control
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Effective hand hygiene is crucial for preventing the transmission of microorganisms.
  • Limited understanding exists regarding microbial contamination risks associated with different hand-drying techniques.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the potential for airborne microbial dispersal during hand drying.
  • To compare four distinct hand-drying methods: paper towels, roller towels, warm air dryers, and jet air dryers.

Main Methods:

  • Assessed airborne microbe dispersal using three different models.
  • Quantified the dispersal range of liquid from hands for each drying method.

Main Results:

  • Jet air dryers dispersed hand-drying liquid significantly further (up to 1.5m) compared to other methods (up to 0.75m).
  • This indicates a higher potential for airborne microbial dissemination with jet air dryers.

Conclusions:

  • Hand-drying method significantly influences the extent of airborne microbe dispersal.
  • Jet air dryers pose a greater risk for spreading microorganisms, particularly when handwashing is inadequate.
Keywords:
Environmental contaminationHand hygieneHand washingHygiene

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