Use of glycopeptides at a French teaching hospital.

The recently published guideline for the use of alcohol hand antisepsis states that "If hands are not visibly soiled, use an alcohol-based hand rub for routinely decontaminating hands (IA). Alternatively, wash hands with an antimicrobial soap . . . (IB)." Systematic disinfection before entering and leaving a patient's room complies with this guideline and, as recommended, might be a good educational means to improve hand washing, as noted by Voss et al. In the same guideline, the technique recommended for hand disinfection is stated: "When decontaminating hands with an alcohol-based hand rub, apply product to palm of one hand and rub hands together, covering all surfaces of hands and fingers, until hands are dry (IB)." No mention is made of time or of the quantity of alcohol to be used because too few data are given in the literature. The guideline concludes, "The efficacy of alcoholbased hand-hygiene products is affected by several factors, including the type of alcohol used, concentration of alcohol, contact time, volume of alcohol used, and whether the hands are wet when the alcohol is applied. The ideal volume of product to apply to the hands is not known and may vary for different formulations."