Advancement of the standard in vivo hand rub test methods: a critical comparison of the health care personnel handwash (ASTM E1174) and the hygiene handrub (EN1500)

Results All methods use gram-negative bacteria as marker organisms and the measured endpoint is reduction on hands after test article application. ASTM E2755 includes Staph. aureus, more representative of a hand transmitted pathogen in healthcare environments. Both EN1500 and E1174 have unrealistic hand contamination procedures which necessitate evaluation of unrealistic volumes of product at excessive contact times. E2755 employs a low volume contamination method for dry, relatively unsoiled hands, allowing ABHR evaluation at realistic volumes and contact times. Success criteria are significantly different: EN1500 uses an internal reference and ASTM methods use specific log reduction minimum endpoints.