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Evaluation of rapid drying hand disinfectant preparations in the intensive care unit
1Department of Intensive Care, National Cardiovascular Center, Osaka, Japan.
Abstract:
MK412A (0.2% chlorhexidine in 70% ethanol) and MK412B (0.2% benzalkonium chloride in 70% ethanol), which are rapid drying and rubbing antiseptic preparations, have been evaluated for hand sterilization over a month by ICU nurses. They have been shown to have effective skin decontaminant efficacy under practical conditions in a busy ICU. There were no adverse reactions except for two cases of mild erythema in the MK412A treatment group. In a comparative in vitro study with Pseudomonas cepacia, 0.2% chlorhexidine solution alone and 0.2% benzalkonium chloride solution alone were less bactericidal than MK412A and MK412B.
Insights
Two antiseptic preparations, MK412A (chlorhexidine) and MK412B (benzalkonium chloride), demonstrated effective hand sterilization for ICU nurses. Both showed good efficacy with minimal adverse effects in a clinical setting.
Area of Science:
- Infection Control
- Microbiology
- Clinical Pharmacy
Background:
- Healthcare-associated infections necessitate effective hand hygiene protocols.
- Rapid-acting antiseptic preparations are crucial for frequent use in intensive care units (ICUs).
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy and safety of two antiseptic hand rubs, MK412A and MK412B, for skin decontamination in an ICU setting.
- To compare the in vitro bactericidal activity of the formulations against Pseudomonas cepacia.
Main Methods:
- A one-month clinical evaluation of MK412A (0.2% chlorhexidine in 70% ethanol) and MK412B (0.2% benzalkonium chloride in 70% ethanol) by ICU nurses.
- In vitro comparative study assessing bactericidal activity against Pseudomonas cepacia.
Main Results:
- Both MK412A and MK412B proved effective as skin decontaminants under busy ICU conditions.
- Minimal adverse reactions were observed, with only two cases of mild erythema in the MK412A group.
- MK412A and MK412B exhibited superior bactericidal efficacy compared to their individual active ingredients in vitro.
Conclusions:
- MK412A and MK412B are effective and well-tolerated antiseptic hand preparations for use by ICU nurses.
- The formulations provide robust skin decontamination, contributing to infection control in critical care environments.