Evaluation of some hand washing and disinfection methods in the removal of transient bacterial flora.

Hand washing is generally considered the most important p ro~dure in preventing nosocomial infections. The effectiveness of 5 disinfectants and unmedicated bar soap were studied for the removal of transient bacteria. Pevidine, chlorhexidine and cetrimide were found to be the most effective in removing both gram positive and gram negative transient bacteria. High bacterial reductions by soap and water reinforced the point that in the vast majority of situations in the hospital this procedure alone, i f properly carried out, is adequate.