Real-Time Feedback of ATP Bioluminescence in Evaluating the Handwashing Efficiency of Healthcare Personnel
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.56147/jbhs.3.3.155Keywords:
- ATP,
- Aerobic culture,
- Hand hygiene,
- Disinfection,
- Detection
Abstract
Background: Providing prompt, real-time feedback on hygiene status plays a critical role in on-site supervision. Therefore, research into using ATP bioluminescence for real-time hand hygiene assessment is of great importance during public health emergencies.
Methods: ATP bioluminescence assays and aerobic culture tests were conducted to assess the hand hygiene status of 13 healthcare workers. Hand samples were collected from the participants before handwashing, after handwashing with tap water and after handwashing with antibacterial liquid soap. The reductions in ATP RLU and aerobic colony counts were evaluated for each handwashing stage.
Results: Following handwashing with tap water, the reduction ratio of ATP RLU and the inactivation ratio of aerobic cultures on hands were 68.39% and 59.50%, respectively. After handwashing with antibacterial hand-soap, the ratios increased to 92.49% and 80.86%, respectively. The handwashing efficacy of antibacterial soap was significantly superior to that of handwashing with tap water alone (ATP RLU P<0.001, aerobic cultures P=0.001).
Conclusion: The reduction ratios derived from ATP bioluminescence detection and aerobic cultures objectively reflect the effectiveness of hand hygiene. ATP bioluminescence detection may serve as an auxiliary tool for on-site sanitation supervision.
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