Infection prevention and control: Reviewing soap and detergents for procurement by health-care facilities

Laura E Zaidy

Infection prevention and control: Reviewing soap and detergents for procurement by health-care facilities

Laura E Zaidy Medi-Clinic Central Region Leaning Centre

Abstract

This article reviews the use of hand washing soap and detergent in a health-care facility, with the goal of facilitating procurement of such products. Three active antiseptic ingredients in soaps currently used for infection prevention and control are scrutinised, namely chlorhexidine, (povidone) iodine and alcohol, while a précis of research on the availability of hand washing facilities and hand hygiene culture in a healthcare setting is included in the review.

Author Biography

Laura E Zaidy, Medi-Clinic Central Region Leaning Centre

RN Certificate in Infection Prevention and Control Nurse Educator Medi-Clinic Central Region Leaning Centre

Issue

Vol 14 No 1 (2010)

Section

Infection Control/Communicable diseases

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