Comparing one versus two towels for drying hands after surgery
Comparison of the Breach of the Aseptic Barrier After Surgical Handwashing: Drying With One or Two Surgical Towels
This study tests if using two towels instead of one to dry hands after washing can help healthcare workers reduce the risk of germs spreading during surgery.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 72 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Instituto de Ortopedia Infantil Roosevelt Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Bogotá, Bogota D.C.) |
| Trial ID | NCT06420934 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study investigates whether using two sterile towels for drying hands after surgical handwashing reduces contamination events compared to using just one towel. It is a randomized, multicenter trial involving 72 healthcare workers and surgical residents across three hospitals in Bogotá, Colombia. Participants will have fluorescent cream applied to simulate bacteria, and contamination will be assessed post-drying. The study aims to provide insights into optimal hand hygiene practices to prevent surgical wound infections.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates include healthcare workers and surgical residents who perform surgical handwashing at least once a week.
Not a fit: Patients who do not perform surgical handwashing or those with specific exclusions such as allergies to the fluorescent cream will not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved hand hygiene practices, reducing the risk of surgical wound infections and healthcare-associated infections.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown varying results regarding hand hygiene practices, but this specific comparison of towel usage is novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Workers and students who have a current affiliation with the institutions where the study will be executed. * Workers and students whose practice or work involves performing surgical handwashing at least once a week for invasive procedures. Exclusion Criteria: * Workers and students who do not wish to participate in the study. * Workers and students whose work activities do not allow them time to participate in the study. * Workers and students who are allergic to the fluorescent cream * Workers and students whose nails exceed a length of 0.5 cm from the fingertip edge. * Workers and students whose nails are painted with polish. * Workers and students who refuse to remove jewelry and accessories from wrists and hands. * Workers and students with recent wounds on hands or forearms, including tattoos done in the last month. * Workers and students who do not adhere to the handwashing and drying technique taught prior to the study's implementation.
Where this trial is running
Bogotá, Bogota D.C.
- Instituto Ortopedia Infantil Roosevelt — Bogotá, Bogota D.C., Colombia (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Monica Botero-Bermúdez, MD, MSc
- Email: monica.botero@javeriana.edu.co
- Phone: +573203049826
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.