The Hygienic Efficacy of Different Hand-Drying Methods: A Review of the Evidence

Abstract

The transmission of bacteria is more likely to occur from wet skin than from dry skin; therefore, the proper drying of hands after washing should be an integral part of the hand hygiene process in health care. This article systematically reviews the research on the hygienic efficacy of different hand-drying methods. A literature search was conducted in April 2011 using the electronic databases PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. Search terms used were hand dryer and hand drying. The search was limited to articles published in English from January 1970 through March 2011. Twelve studies were included in the review. Hand-drying effectiveness includes the speed of drying, degree of dryness, effective removal of bacteria, and prevention of cross-contamination. This review found little agreement regarding the relative effectiveness of electric air dryers. However, most studies suggest that paper towels can dry hands efficiently, remove bacteria effectively, and cause less contamination of the washroom environment. From a hygiene viewpoint, paper towels are superior to electric air dryers. Paper towels should be recommended in locations where hygiene is paramount, such as hospitals and clinics.

Händehygiene in Einrichtungen des Gesundheitswesens

“…Nur "jet air" Händetrockner mit Infrarot erwiesen sich bei 10 s Anwendung dem Papierhandtuch in der Trocknungswirkung gleichwertig [224]. Da nach Händewaschung durch sorgfälti-ge Händetrocknung die Translokation von Bakterien von den Händen auf Kontaktflächen signifikant herabgesetzt wird [221,225], ist auch unter diesem Gesichtspunkt die Händetrocknung wichtig [226,227]. Allerdings war nach vorher durchgeführter Händedesinfektion keine erhöhte Translokation durch Heiß-lufttrockner nachweisbar [228,229].…”

“…Nach Händewaschung wird durch Papier-oder Textilhandtuch signifikant mehr Restflora als durch Heißlufttrockner entfernt [230][231][232]. Schließlich ist bei der Auswahl des Trocknungssystems zu berück-sichtigen, dass Nutzer bezüglich Komfort und Nutzerfreundlichkeit Einmalhandtü-cher gegenüber Heißlufttrocknern bevorzugen [226] und die Lärmbelastung bei "jet air" Trocknern in 0,5 m Entfernung 94 dB erreicht [224]. Für einen "air blade" Trockner wurde ermittelt, dass die Anzahl freigesetzter Tröpfchen beim Trocknungs-vorgang höher war und weiter reichte als bei Benutzung eines Papierhandtuchs.…”

Mechatronic System for Drying Human Body After Bath

“…For this it was based on hand drying equipment present in several bathrooms. The reference drying time announced by most manufacturers is 10 s [24]. Comparing the hand area, about 0.0896 m2 [25], and the body area, about 1.8 m2 [26], and considering that the body dryer equipment has twice the flow rate of the hand dryer, the ventilation drying subsystem should be able to dry the body in 3,35 min.…”

Environmental and Economic Perspectives in the Analysis of Two Options for Hand Drying At an University Campus

“…Comparison of alternatives can be made for retrofitting of installations [6][7][8][9] or at a design stage (case study herein presented).…”

“…There are several studies and reports on which option for hand drying is the most hygienic, economic, or efficient [9][10][11], however conflict of interests were identified in most publications. Another study revealed that there is no significant association between the drying method and the proliferation of bacteria [12].…”