Evaluation of 15-second alcohol-based hand rub efficacy: a multi-laboratory study using a modified EN 1500 protocol
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: INTRODUCTION: Hands are a key vector for pathogen transmission in healthcare, making effective hand antisepsis crucial for infection prevention. According to the European standard EN 1500, the reference method for evaluating hand antiseptics, a minimum rub-in time of 30 s is required. However, observations show healthcare workers typically spend less time on hand antisepsis. METHOD: To assess the feasibility of a reduced rub-in time under standardized conditions, the German Association for Applied Hygiene conducted a multi-centre ring trial in 14 laboratories using a modified EN 1500 protocol (15 s, 3 mL of 60% v/v propan-2-ol). In a randomized crossover design, volunteers' hands were contaminated with Escherichia coli K12 and treated either with the reference (2 × 3 mL/2 × 30 s) or the test protocol (1 x 3 mL/15 s). Microbial reduction was measured and non-inferiority statistically analysed. RESULTS: reductions than the reference in 13 out of 14 laboratories but demonstrated consistent reproducibility and satisfactory interlaboratory performance. Challenges in completing the full rub-in technique within 15 s were reported, indicating the need for targeted training. CONCLUSION: These findings support the methodological feasibility of a shortened protocol and are consistent with evolving clinical guidelines advocating reduced rub-in times, as well as with real-world practice, where healthcare workers typically spend less than 30 s on hand antisepsis. Nonetheless, any revision of EN 1500 should proceed cautiously to ensure antimicrobial efficacy, emphasizing complete hand coverage and strict adherence to technique.
Source: Journal of Hospital Infection
Authors: K-M. Roesch, J. Gebel, A. Bolten, M. Cavalleri, B. Christiansen, F. Droop, B. Eilts, M. Exner, H. Gabriel, C. Hildebrandt, T. Koburger-Janssen, K. Konrat, C.S. Lee, J. Lenz, H. Martiny, M. Meckel, N.T. Mutters, S. Pahl, L. Paßvogel, C. Schartner, F. Seyringer, K. Steinhauer, L.J. Vecchio, L. Vossebein, A. Wille, A. Kramer, M. Suchomel
Institutions: University Hospital Bonn, Eurofins (France), Bundesnetzagentur, Deutsche Welle, Deutsche Bundespost, University of Bonn, Albstadt-Sigmaringen University, Dr. Brill + Dr. Steinmann (Germany), Robert Koch Institute, Ecolab (Germany), Hochschule für Angewandte Wissenschaften Kiel, Institut für Hygiene und Umwelt, Universitätsmedizin Greifswald, Universität Greifswald, Medical University of Vienna
Language: English
Subfield: Infectious Diseases
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $4,000
OpenAlex ID: W7130607907