ORIGINAL ARTICLE: Comparative evaluation of the hygienic efficacy of an ultrarapid hand dryer vs conventional warm air hand dryers

Comparative evaluation of the hygienic efficacy of an ultra-rapid hand dryer vs conventional warm air hand dryers

AIMS To compare an ultra-rapid hand dryer against warm air dryers, with regard to: (A) bacterial transfer after drying and (B) the impact on bacterial numbers of rubbing hands during dryer use. METHODS AND RESULTS The Airblade™ dryer (Dyson Ltd) uses two air 'knives' to strip water from still hands, whereas conventional dryers use warm air to evaporate moisture whilst hands are rubbed togethe...

The hygienic efficacy of different hand-drying methods: a review of the evidence.

The transmission of bacteria is more likely to occur from wet skin than from dry skin; therefore, the proper drying of hands after washing should be an integral part of the hand hygiene process in health care. This article systematically reviews the research on the hygienic efficacy of different hand-drying methods. A literature search was conducted in April 2011 using the electronic databases ...

Comparative Environmental Life Cycle Assessment of Hand Drying Systems: The XLERATOR Hand Dryer, Conventional Hand Dryers and Paper Towel Systems

Hand Washing Resources

1. Anonymous, Towels beat hot air driers hands down. Associated Press Newswire, 1993(July). Handwashing Michaels. Reports on a study done by the University of Westminster and financed by the Association of Soft Tissue Paper Manufacturers finding that hot air dryers increased bacteria on hands more than 500%. 2. Anonymous, Alcohol for hand hygiene: New comparative studies add to the evidence bas...

The Position-Adjustable Hair Dryer

Janet L. Poole. MA, OTR/L, is Assistant Professor, Program in Occupational Therapy, University of Pittsburgh. A lthough a variety of assistive devices are available to disabled persons for hair care, a review of health care equipment catalogues and the occupational therapy literature failed to reveal any devices designed specifically for drying hair. In particular, persons with upper extremity ...