Evaluation of droplet production by a new design of clinical handwash basin for the healthcare environment.

Splashing from handwash basins may be a source of bacteria in the healthcare environment. A novel splash-reducing basin was assessed for its ability to reduce droplet formation during simulated handwashing. The basin was compared to two conventional basins commonly used in healthcare. Basins were mounted in a test system and tap flushed for 30-s with and without handwashing. Droplets were visualized with fluorescent dye. With conventional basins, >1000 droplets were formed during 30-s flushes and found to spread further than 2-m. The novel basin significantly reduced the number of droplets formed during handwashing and reduced the distance spread.