The antiseptic effect of a quick drying rubbing type povidone-iodine alcoholic disinfectant solution.

A quick drying rubbing type disinfectant of non-water non-towel type is an antiseptic method suitable for practical use in intensive care units where emergency situations are common. We determined the antiseptic efficacy and safety of a quick drying rubbing type povidone-iodine alcoholic disinfectant solution (HAD Hand Wash) in comparison with benzalkonium chloride alcoholic lotion. The bacterial reduction rate obtained by hand washing with a single 3 ml application was 93.8% for HAD Hand Wash and 94.1% for benzalkonium chloride alcoholic lotion. Thus, excellent antiseptic efficacy was obtained with both disinfectants. Roughening of hand skin which appeared in association with HAD Hand Wash solution was transient and mild in nature in all of the cases, indicating the high safety of this disinfectant. It is justified to say from these findings that HAD Hand Wash is useful as a hand and finger disinfectant.