Tuesday, January 29, 2008

Hand sanitizers aren't enough in hospital settings


We all know someone who uses this hand sanitizer gel religiously-I typically only use it in cold season when I am not able to wash my hands right away but I know alot of people also keep it in their purse,car,desk drawer,etc.The problem with these gels are some people will forgo traditional hand washing altogether in favor of the quicker easier cleanup,which may be OK for most people but not good enough for hospitals.
Most hospitals now have hand sanitizer dispensers EVERYWHERE and while it is a step in the right direction,A recent study suggests they are NOT as effective as good old fashioned soap and water in preventing antibiotic resisitant hospital infections.
In a study headed by Dr.Mark Rupp of the University of Nebraska Medical Center,infection rates among patients persisted even though medical staff had doubled their use of the alcohol based sanitizing gels at Nebraska Medical Center.
Which means while you certainly cannot rub on some Purell and then perform surgery,it is still a healthy substitute for soap and water when there are no hand-washing facilities.Keep on pumping!

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