The Pharmaceutical Journal
Vol 268 No 7196 p597-604
4 May 2002

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The Lancet (www.thelancet.com)

Hand gels fail microbial efficacy test

Researchers who tested 10 alcohol-based hand gels found none met the European standard by which microbial efficacy is measured. They also tested four hand rinses, which all met the European standard. They conclude that the tested hand gels should not replace alcohol-based liquid hand disinfectants currently used in hospitals. Any future ethanol-based hand gels should contain at least 80 per cent (v/v) ethanol, they add (Lancet 2002;359:1489).