Herpes simplex virus and CPR training manikins: reducing the risk of cross-infection

Two disinfecting solutions for removing herpes simplex virus (HSV) from CPR training manikin face skin were investigated. Both 70% ethanol and 70% ethanol plus 0.5% chlorhexidine solutions were effective in reducing recoverable virus at both 10(5) and 10(7) particles per milliliter inoculum concentrations (P less than .01 and P less than .005 versus no decontamination, respectively). The survival characteristics of HSV on manikin skin also were explored, demonstrating greater than four hours of viability.