Hand Sanitizer

Product Details:

Hand sanitizer is a liquid generally used to decrease infectious agents on the hands.^[2] Formulations of the alcohol-based type are preferable to hand washing with soap and water in most situations in the healthcare setting.^[3]It is generally more effective at killing microorganisms and better tolerated than soap and water.^[4] Hand washing should still be carried out if contamination can be seen or following the use of the toilet.^[5] The general use of non-alcohol based versions has no recommendations.^[3] Outside the health care setting evidence to support the use of hand sanitizer over hand washing is poor.^[6][7] They are available as liquids, gels, and foams.^[4]

Alcohol-based versions typically contain some combination of isopropyl alcohol, ethanol (ethyl alcohol), or n-propanol.^[4] Versions that contain 60 to 95% alcohol are most effective.^[4] Care should be taken as they are flammable.^[3] Alcohol-based hand sanitizer works against a variety of microorganisms but not spores.^[4] Some versions contain compounds such as glycerol to prevent drying of the skin.^[4] Non-alcohol based versions may contain benzalkonium chloride or triclosan