Infection prevention and control: reviewing soap and detergents for procurement by healthcare facilities

Abstract

This article reviews the use of hand washing soap and detergent in a healthcare facility, with the goal of facilitating procurement of such products. Currently, three active antiseptic ingredients are used in soaps for infection prevention and control. These are chlorhexidine (povidone), iodine, and alcohol. In this article, these will be scrutinised. A précis of research, on the availability of hand washing facilities and hand hygiene culture in a healthcare setting, is included in the review.