Hands are the main source of transmission for most pathogenic organisms. As a result, maintaining personal hygiene and halting the spread of disease require practicing hand hygiene, which is fundamental yet crucial. Even though hand wash and handrub are widely accessible in the market to maintain hand hygiene, people are frequently unsure of which is more effective at eliminating germs. This article examines the differences between hand wash and handrub, offering information on the advantages, restrictions, and best practices of each.

Hand Wash 

• Effectiveness: Hand washes are especially good at getting rid of visible dirt, organic materials, and some kinds of bacteria. By dissolving fats and oils, soaps make it possible for water to eliminate the bacteria that are living on the skin.
• Usage: Using hand washes is advised when hands are noticeably oily or filthy, or after handling food, going to the bathroom, or coming into contact with potentially contaminated surfaces.
• Procedure: For hand washing, rub hands together with soap, covering all surfaces for at least 20 seconds, including in between fingers and under nails. Then, rinse with water and pat dry.

Hand Rub

• Effectiveness: Hand rubs are effective in eliminating microbes from hands when they are not visibly dirty. They work rapidly to remove bacteria but are less efficient on greasy or unclean hands.
• Usage: These products are useful in situations where soap and water are not easily available such as on public transportation or before eating on the go.
• Procedure: Apply sanitizer to the palm of one hand and rub palms together covering all parts of the hand for up to 20 seconds until the sanitizer dries off.

The role of antimicrobial testing 

In order to determine whether hand wash and hand rub products are effective at minimizing or completely getting rid of dangerous microorganisms on the skin, antimicrobial testing is a critical component of the evaluation process.

• Product development: Assists in creating hand rub and wash solutions that effectively combat a wide range of pathogens.
• Regulatory compliance: Ensures that products meet the regulations set by health authorities w.r.t. the product efficacy.
• Consumer confidence: Increases trust among consumers and healthcare professionals that the products they use are scientifically proven to reduce infection risk.
• Public health impact: Contributes to the overall infection control and public health strategy by offering effective hand hygiene products, which are a fundamental line of defense against the spread of infectious diseases.

Hand Wash and Hand Rub testing services available at MIS

EN 1500 – Specifies a test technique for determining the efficacy of handrub products used in areas/situations where disinfection is medically necessary.

EN 1499 – Defines a test technique that uses practical settings to measure the performance of hygienic hand wash products in minimizing transitory microbial flora on the hands.

EN 13727 – The test method evaluates the bactericidal activity of chemical disinfectants used in the medical field. This test applies to hand wash, hand rub, instrument disinfectants, and surface disinfectants.

EN 14476 – EN 14476 test method is a quantitative suspension test used for the evaluation of virucidal activity of sanitizers and disinfectants

ASTM E1838 –  The ASTM E1838 standard specifies a test technique for evaluating the efficiency of handwash and hand rub product formulations in removing transitory viruses from the skin.

EN 13624 – The EN 13624 test standard is a quantitative suspension test for determining the fungicidal or yeasticidal activity of chemical disinfectants and antiseptics used in medical settings.

At MIS, we specialize in advanced microbiological assessments for hand sanitizers, handrubs, and handwash products employed in diverse sectors, including healthcare, household, and public facilities. 

Equipped with the latest technology and a dedicated team of experts, we provide detailed testing services to ensure your sanitizers are in full compliance with international regulatory standards. 

For more queries or to discuss your disinfectant and sanitizers/hand wash/hand rub testing needs, you can contact MIS experts here.