Nail picks and brushes during the surgical scrub process may not enhance hand hygiene, according to research published in the American Journal of Infection Control.
For their study, researchers assigned 60 nurses to one of three hand scrub protocols: using surgical scrub alone (control), using a nail pick during the surgical scrub or using a brush during surgical scrub. After the surgical scrub process, bacterial counts were measured immediately before the scrub protocols and one hour after the scrub.
The final analysis showed bacterial counts one hour after scrubbing were lower in the control group than the two interventions. In addition, researchers found no significant difference in bacterial counts between the nail pick or brush.
For their study, researchers assigned 60 nurses to one of three hand scrub protocols: using surgical scrub alone (control), using a nail pick during the surgical scrub or using a brush during surgical scrub. After the surgical scrub process, bacterial counts were measured immediately before the scrub protocols and one hour after the scrub.
The final analysis showed bacterial counts one hour after scrubbing were lower in the control group than the two interventions. In addition, researchers found no significant difference in bacterial counts between the nail pick or brush.
Related Articles on Hand Hygiene:
Waterless Hand Scrubs Equally Effective, More Time Efficient Than Traditional Hand Scrubs
Single Word Change in Hand Hygiene Message Improved Compliance
Multidisciplinary Team, Prevention Bundle Target CLABSI at Regions Hospital