| Technique to determine contamination exposure routes and the economic efficiency of folded paper-towel dispensing. | |
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MedLine Citation:
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PMID: 12665744 Owner: NLM Status: MEDLINE |
Abstract/OtherAbstract:
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Handwashing and hand drying are key elements of infection control. Paper towels are generally accepted as the most hygienic means of drying hands and are often distributed from generic dispensers. Effective dispensing of towels is of importance economically and may influence infection control objectives if hands become contaminated during hand drying. In this study, a method to identify potential exposure routes for hand contamination and evaluate the efficiency of paper-towel dispensing is described and applied to 5 different folded paper towels using a generic wall-mounted dispenser. A total of 18 male and female participants of varying heights participated in pull testing of 400 paper towels each, in controlled hand-drying simulations. All events having the potential for hand contamination, including towel jamming, towels falling onto the floor, and incidental contact of paper exits, were monitored and documented. There was considerable variation in dispensing efficiency between different towel brands. One towel (Z) had significantly (P <.05) superior dispensing properties from the generic dispenser. Participants of a shorter height obtained a lower incidence of dispensing malfunctions using all towel products and type. The results indicated likely contamination exposure routes and wastage levels for each towel type. Environmental service managers and infection control practitioners should carefully consider, for economic and infection control reasons, the siting and design of towel dispensers and the types of towel purchased. |
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Authors:
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Wendy A Harrison; Christopher J Griffith; Barry Michaels; Troy Ayers |
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Publication Detail:
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Type: Journal Article; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't |
Journal Detail:
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Title: American journal of infection control Volume: 31 ISSN: 0196-6553 ISO Abbreviation: Am J Infect Control Publication Date: 2003 Apr |
Date Detail:
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Created Date: 2003-03-31 Completed Date: 2003-05-23 Revised Date: 2009-08-14 |
Medline Journal Info:
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Nlm Unique ID: 8004854 Medline TA: Am J Infect Control Country: United States |
Other Details:
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Languages: eng Pagination: 104-8 Citation Subset: IM |
Affiliation:
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School of Applied Sciences, University of Wales Institute, Cardiff, United Kingdom. |
Export Citation:
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APA/MLA Format Download EndNote Download BibTex |
| MeSH Terms | |
Descriptor/Qualifier:
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Colony Count, Microbial Cost-Benefit Analysis Cross Infection / prevention & control Disinfection / methods Equipment Contamination Female Hand / microbiology* Handwashing / methods*, standards Health Personnel Humans Infection Control / economics*, methods* Male Medical Staff, Hospital Paper* Probability Sampling Studies Sensitivity and Specificity Soaps |
| Chemical | |
Reg. No./Substance:
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0/Soaps |
From MEDLINE®/PubMed®, a database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine
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