A comparative study between the efficacies of betadine scrub (10%) versus alcohol based hand rub in preoperative hand disinfection

Background: Hand hygiene is a crucial measure for preventing healthcare-related infections. Surgical scrub is an important factor in the safety and success of a surgical operation. The aim of this study was to comparatively evaluate effectiveness of povidone iodine scrub (10%) and alcohol based hand rubs (Sterilium).Methods: Single centre, double blinded, comparative study performed over a period of 6 months in MGM Medical College and hospital. Sampling was conducted, after the surgeons participating had used either technique for preoperative hand disinfection. Colonies were counted after 48 hours of aerobic incubation at 37°C. Positive cultures were identified and their frequencies were compared. Data were summarized using descriptive statistical methods. Comparison of counts between groups was performed using Chi square test.Results: From the 100 obtained samples, there was higher number of positive growth in Sterilium as compared to povidone iodine scrub (14% versus 8%) though statistically not significant. Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Acinetobacter was the most common organism isolated in both the groups.Conclusions: Povidone-iodine is more efficacious than that of alcohol-based solutions in preoperative hand disinfection