Aiming to achieve a deeper understanding of hand disinfection to prevent the spread of pathogenic germs even more effectively is at the heart of HARTMANN’s mission. Sterillium® has been clinically proven in numerous international studies and field reports to deliver clear benefits in terms of skin tolerability, effective infection prevention, and compliance.
A ROLE MODEL FOR SKIN TOLERABILITY MATTERS
Numerous studies have proven – contrary to popular opinion – that alcohol-based hand disinfection is better tolerated than handwashing. The pharmacovigilance data speaks for itself too: skin irritations attributed to the use of Sterillium® were only reported 45 times in 2012 – corresponding to one case in sixty-six million applications. A recent study also showed that Sterillium® is not only gentle on the skin but also increases skin hydration and skin elasticity as well as keeps the skin barrier intact. A fundamental finding, as hand disinfectant’s skin tolerability and employees’ skin health are the most important prerequisites for encouraging healthcare workers to actually perform hand disinfection.
STERILLIUM®: A GUARANTOR OF A COMPREHENSIVE SPECTRUM OF ACTIVITY
Intensive research has proven the fast and comprehensive antimicrobial activity of Sterillium® products, as a result of its alcohol-based formula. It has been demonstrated in various studies that Sterillium® reduces all clinically relevant bacteria by more than five log10 steps within thirty seconds, and has virucidal activity against important viruses such as HBV/HIV, influenza virus, rotavirus, adenovirus and polyoma virus.
There is also scientific evidence that an exposure time of 90 seconds to Sterillium® for surgical hand disinfection achieves an activity for both the immediate effect (zero hours after application) and sustained effect (three hours) that is significantly better than the reference procedure applied for three minutes (European EN 12791 standard).
STERILLIUM®'S COMPATIBILITY OPTIMISES INFECTION AND SKIN PROTECTION
Using skincare products several times a day during working hours can considerably reduce the risk of skin irritation – increasing staff and patient protection at the same time. As part of the HARTMANN Hand Hygiene System, Sterillium® is scientifically proven to be compatible with the two other elements of hand hygiene: skincare and cleansing. Studies show: even when used immediately prior to hand disinfection, the Baktolan® products do not impair the efficacy of the Sterillium® disinfectants. The advantage: users can put cream on their hands during work without hesitation – promoting skin and infection protection at the same time. Additional safety: even the compatibility of the Baktolan® and Sterillium® products in combination with the Peha-soft® examination gloves and the Peha-taft® surgical gloves has been tested. Result: no significant increase in perforation rate, thus ensuring the best possible all-around protection in hand hygiene.
RESPONSIBLE APPLICATION OF HAND DISINFECTANTS
Recent data indicate that full efficacy of a hand rub preparation for hygienic hand disinfection can be achieved within 15 seconds (s). However, the efficacy test used for the European Norm (EN) 1500 samples only the fingertips. Therefore, we investigated hand coverage using sixteen different application variations. The finding: In clinical practice, hand disinfection is apparently better than practitioners of infection control often anticipate. Based on our data, a high-quality hygienic hand disinfection is not possible within 15 s. A 30 s application time can, however, be recommended for clinical practice. The currently recommended six steps of EN 1500 are not really suitable for clinical practice, because they yield comparably poor results. The most appropriate application procedure may be "responsible application".
BUILDING TRUST & AWARENESS THROUGH SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH:
THE BODE SCIENCE CENTER
As well as its products, Sterillium® is dedicated to conveying knowledge, changing behaviour and establishing trust in the field of hand disinfection.
With the foundation of the BODE SCIENCE CENTER, the research and training expertise was pooled and made fit for the future. Aimed at physicians, nurses and infection control practitioners, this scientific centre of excellence for hand hygiene and infection protection has been the place to go for those seeking advice, a platform for those wanting to contribute, and a valuable source for those requiring reliable information. Its work includes the development of practical solutions and provision of scientific support for them, active research for increased patient protection, scientific and specialised expertise on hygiene management, and didactically prepared, certified training and e-learning tools, as well as extensive advice and information on infection protection.
More detailed information about all studies can be found on the website of the BODE SCIENCE CENTER.
WANTED: MODERN DAY HEROES OF HAND DISINFECTION
Do you have a colleague who cares deeply about top hand hygiene standards in your hospital or clinic? They’re passionate about promoting hygiene compliance and have perhaps introduced or reinforced specific protocols where you work? We want to give these people the recognition they deserve and feature them on this website. Nominate your Modern Day Hero today!
