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Hand Sanitizer Intoxication in the Emergency Department.
Ali Pourmand1, Mateen Ghassemi1, Sarah E Frasure1
1Department of Emergency Medicine, George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington DC, USA.
Cureus
|October 18, 2021
Summary
Patients intentionally ingested ethanol-based hand sanitizer in the emergency department, leading to prolonged intoxication. This case highlights the need for vigilance and protocols to prevent misuse of accessible alcohol-based hand sanitizers.
Area of Science:
- Clinical Medicine
- Toxicology
- Hospital Administration
Background:
- Hand hygiene is crucial in hospitals, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Alcohol-based hand sanitizers are widely used but can be misused.
- Methanol contamination is a known risk in some hand sanitizers.
Observation:
- A patient presented to the ED intoxicated with a high ethanol level.
- The patient remained intoxicated for over 18 hours with a rising serum ethanol level.
- Clinicians discovered stolen ethanol-based hand sanitizer bottles in the patient's belongings.
Findings:
- The patient admitted to intentionally ingesting hand sanitizer during their ED stay.
- The case involved surreptitious theft and intentional consumption of ethanol-based hand sanitizer.
- Serum ethanol levels were elevated due to deliberate ingestion, not accidental exposure.
Implications:
- Clinicians should suspect intentional ingestion of ethanol products in at-risk patients.
- Hospitals must implement protocols to prevent the misuse of accessible hand sanitizers.
- Enhanced surveillance and control measures are needed for alcohol-based products in healthcare settings.
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