These results demonstrate that education on the proper technique for using hand rub, as outlined in EN 1500, can significantly increase the degree of bacterial killing.

After contact precautions were discontinued, we determined nosocomial transmission of extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)–producing Escherichia coli by screening hospital patients who shared rooms with ESBL-producing E. coli–infected or –colonized patients. Transmission rates were 2.6% and 8.8% at an acute-care and a geriatric/rehabilitation hospital, respectively. Prolonged contact was associated with increased transmission.