Dose considerations for alcohol-based hand rubs.

Background: Manufacturers' recommended dosages for alcohol-based hand rubs are typically determined by measuring product efficacy using a model protocol such as EN 1500; however, anecdotal reports and informal observation suggests that in many cases users self-titrate to much lower doses in real-world application.

Aim: To examine the interdependence of alcohol-based hand-rub volume on in-vivo efficacy using the EN 1500 standard test method, on drying time on users' hands, and on their perceptions of acceptability.

Methods: Three formulations were studied using EN 1500 and a modification of this method.

The Antibacterial Activity of Acetic Acid against Biofilm-Producing Pathogens of Relevance to Burns Patients.

Introduction: Localised infections, and burn wound sepsis are key concerns in the treatment of burns patients, and prevention of colonisation largely relies on biocides. Acetic acid has been shown to have good antibacterial activity against various planktonic organisms, however data is limited on efficacy, and few studies have been performed on biofilms.

Objectives: We sought to investigate the antibacterial activity of acetic acid against important burn wound colonising organisms growing planktonically and as biofilms.

Antimicrobial dressings: Comparison of the ability of a panel of dressings to prevent biofilm formation by key burn wound pathogens.

Unlabelled: Antimicrobial medicated dressings (AMD) are often used to reduce bacterial infection of burns and other wounds. However, there is limited literature regarding comparative efficacies to inform effective clinical decision making.

Objectives: Following on from a previous study where we demonstrated good antibiofilm properties of acetic acid (AA), we assessed and compared the in vitro anti-biofilm activity of a range of AMDs and non-AMDs to AA.

Development of a sporicidal test method for Clostridium difficile.

Background: Disinfectants with claimed activity against Clostridium difficile must be evaluated to ensure efficacy against the spores that comprise an environmental source of patient infection. Unfortunately there is, at present, no generally accepted method for evaluating these disinfectants. In the absence of such a method, laboratories have to adapt protocols that were not designed for products used in medical environments and consequently may use inappropriate test organisms, exposure times, and pass criteria.