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Buy hand sanitizer - meet the highest hygiene standards

Disinfectants are used to prevent the risk of infection with infectious diseases and their spread. There are different types of disinfectants, for example for hand, wound or surface disinfection. The agent provides effective protection against viruses and bacteria and is used to clean the area of application.

Hand disinfection is carried out to reduce the number of pathogens on the hands. This is also intended to prevent the transmission of these pathogens to other people, for example people in need of care or patients. This type of disinfection is considered a basic hygiene measure and serves to reduce the risk of infection, protect against cross-infection and protect oneself, particularly in patient care.

Compared to hand washing, hand disinfection is more effective and gentler on the skin. The aim is to eliminate the microbial colonization of the transient and resident skin flora on the hands. The transient skin flora consists of germs that temporarily colonize the hand. However, this is not enough in patient care. There, the resident skin flora must also be affected by disinfection. It is part of the physiological composition of the skin. It can also contain germs that trigger infections.

Disinfection for patient protection/protection of others

As mentioned above, hand disinfection serves to prevent the transmission of pathogens via the hands (smear infections). This is important as people come into contact with other people or surfaces on a daily basis. In patient care or nursing, for example, this can happen through wounds or devices close to the body such as catheters. Here, hand disinfection offers protection for others, as other people are protected from transmission.

Disinfection for self-protection 

On the other hand, other people, such as patients, can also pass on pathogens to healthcare professionals. This can happen, for example, through contact with bodily fluids and excretions, such as blood, vomit, stool or wound secretions. Hygienic hand disinfection helps to prevent the transmission of possible pathogens to yourself.

A distinction is also made between hygienic and surgical hand disinfection.

Buying disinfection - What is hygienic hand disinfection?

It is one of the most important measures for preventing hospital infections and serves to protect patients and staff. It eliminates pathogens foreign to the skin and reduces the number of pathogens on the skin. Disinfectants for visitors and patients can also be found in the entrance area or sometimes on hospital wards.

Today's disinfectants are gentle on the skin. They are primarily effective against viruses and bacteria. Special disinfectants are required against non-enveloped viruses, for example. The effectiveness against certain viruses, such as hepatitis B, must also be proven by appropriate certificates. In the case of spore formers, hand washing must be carried out in addition to disinfection.

Requirements for effective, hygienic hand disinfection

  • No watches, jewelry, rings, bracelets, etc.
  • Short cut fingernails (no artificial or painted nails)

In addition, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends workwear with short sleeves for all professional groups with patient contact in the area of hospital hygiene.

Application of hygienic hand disinfection

The disinfectant is applied to dry palms. Then rub it into the inside and outside of both hands for at least 30 seconds. The fingertips, thumbs, nail folds and wrists should also be disinfected. If contamination is suspected, the forearms should also be disinfected.

In principle, there are precise instructions for correct professional use, which stipulate a specific sequence of steps: According to DIN EN 1500: 1997-10 for hygienic hand disinfection and according to DIN EN 12791: 2005-10 for surgical hand disinfection.

Areas of application for hygienic hand disinfection

The Commission for Hospital Hygiene and Infection Prevention (KRINKO) and the WHO recommend the so-called five-moment concept (or My five Moments of Hand Hygiene model) for hand hygiene in healthcare facilities. According to this, hygienic hand disinfection is appropriate for staff with patient contact in the following situations:

  • Before patient contact
  • For aseptic activities (aseptic activities such as wound care, catheter care, etc.)
  • After contact with potentially infectious materials (e.g. body fluids)
  • After patient contact
  • After contact with surfaces in the immediate vicinity of patients

In their relevant accident prevention regulations, the employers' liability insurance associations also mention other situations in which hygienic hand disinfection is important:

  • Before starting work (e.g. in outpatient and inpatient care, doctors' surgeries, kitchens, operating theaters)
  • For preparation and follow-up of invasive measures
  • Before handling food or medication
  • After a visit to the toilet
  • After using disposable gloves

Hand disinfectants - What is surgical hand disinfection?

Surgical hand disinfection is even more thorough than hygienic hand disinfection. It is carried out before surgical or invasive procedures. This largely eliminates the skin's own pathogens that are present in the cornea up to the stratum lucidum. The transient flora is reduced to such an extent that the spread or transmission of germs is prevented. As a result, the risk of transmission in the event of a glove defect is reduced. In addition to the surgeon, all persons who also work in the sterile area must carry out surgical hand disinfection.

This is preceded by hand washing with soap and water, which should normally be done on entering the clinic or doctor's surgery. To protect the skin, at least ten minutes must elapse between washing and disinfection. The reason for this is that prolonged washing increases skin moisture, which reduces the diluting effect of the disinfectant. The hands and forearms should therefore be dry before surgical hand disinfection.

Application of surgical hand disinfection

In some cases, surgical hand disinfection can take up to five minutes. Starting with the elbows, the disinfectant is worked its way up to the hands. The hands are therefore rubbed in last. The hands must be dry before the gloves are put on.

For longer operations, it is recommended to change gloves every 90 minutes. For operations lasting longer than three hours or if the surgical gloves are damaged, a brief hand disinfection should be carried out again in connection with the change of surgical clothing.

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