Hand Hygiene

Proper and thorough hand hygiene, whether through the use of soap and water or use of hospital-grade, alcohol-based hand sanitizers, is the single most important practice supported by evidence to help eliminate cross-contamination and reduce the incidence of healthcare-acquired infections (HAIs).

Slide Show: Hand Hygiene Technology

ICT presents the second in a series of slide shows examining the basics of automated technologies that provide an adjunct solution to manual processes for the control, elimination and prevention of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). This second slide show addresses ...More
February 18, 2013
Posted in Galleries, Hand Hygiene
Despite Decline in HAIs Consumers Union Says More Effort Needed to Protect Patients

A new report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows that the number of central line-associated bloodstream infections in hospitals nationwide has been reduced markedly. More modest reductions have been achieved in certain surgical site infections and ...More
February 12, 2013
Posted in News, Hand Hygiene
Hospitals Report Reductions in Some Types of HAIs

Hospitals in the U.S. continue to make progress in the fight against central line-associated bloodstream infections and some surgical site infections, according to a report issued today by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Catheter-associated urinary ...More
February 11, 2013
Posted in News, Hand Hygiene
Efficacy of Hand Hygiene Products is Subject of New ASTM Antimicrobial Standard

Professional hand hygiene products are subjected to vigorous testing prior to being marketed and introduced for use in a healthcare setting. Now, a new ASTM International standard approved by Committee E35 on Pesticides, Antimicrobials and Alternative Control Agents ...More
February 9, 2013
Posted in News, Hand Hygiene
Alabama Industry, Hospitals Work Together to Reduce Infection, Save Lives Through Handwashing

On April 3, 2012, 27 Alabama hospitals announced that they would work together to improve clinical and financial healthcare outcomes through the implementation of an automated hand-hygiene monitoring system to reduce healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). After six ...More
February 7, 2013
Posted in News, Hand Hygiene
PDI Launches New Advanced Skin Antisepsis Platform

PDI announces the launch of its new Advanced Skin Antisepsis platform, PDI Prevantics™. Under this platform, the company is investing in innovations that provide the most efficient and advanced evidence-based solutions for preventing healthcare associated infections. These ...More
February 1, 2013
Posted in News, Hand Hygiene
GOJO Signs Agreement with HealthTrust

GOJO Industries Inc. announces a new contract with HealthTrust to provide its 1,400 member hospitals and 10,600 ambulatory surgery centers, physician practices and alternate-care sites with access to purchase the full line of PURELL® Instant Hand Sanitizer and PROVON® hand ...More
February 1, 2013
Posted in News, Hand Hygiene
Early-Career Nurses Not Involved in QI Activities but Strive to Engage in Hand Hygiene

Nurses are the largest group of healthcare providers in the U.S., and healthcare leaders agree that engaging registered nurses in quality improvement (QI) efforts is essential to improving patient care. Unfortunately, despite studies demonstrating the value of nurse-led ...More
January 30, 2013
Posted in News, Hand Hygiene, Policies and Practice
ACI Says Research on Triclosan is Distorted

Analyses of research finding extremely low levels of an antibacterial ingredient in waterways are distorting facts about its safety and effectiveness, according to the American Cleaning Institute (ACI). Researchers in Minnesota published a paper that describes their finding ...More
January 24, 2013
Posted in News, Hand Hygiene
Triclosan Found in Increasing Amounts in Freshwater Lakes

A new University of Minnesota study determined that the common antibacterial agent triclosan, used in soaps and many other products, is found in increasing amounts in several Minnesota freshwater lakes. The findings are directly linked to increased triclosan use over the ...More
January 22, 2013
Posted in News, Hand Hygiene