Using a bacteriophage to represent microbial contamination, we investigated virus transmission to the hospital environment following hand drying. The use of paper towels resulted in lower rates of virus contamination on hands and clothing compared with a jet air dryer and, consequently, lower contamination of multiple hospital surfaces.
Pathogens can persist for several hours on hands 1,2 and up to several months on surfaces, 3 and they can be acquired at a high rate through contact with environmental surfaces. 4 Residual hand moisture is associated with increased microorganism transfer from hands to surfaces. 5 Thus, the process of hand drying is essential in minimizing the risk of pathogen spread. 6,7
Previously, we examined the risk of environmental bacterial contamination in hospital toilets associated with different hand-drying methods. 8 We observed less droplet and/or microbe dispersion, and consequently lower level of toilet surfaces contamination, following hand drying with paper towels compared to a jet air dryer. These observations showed the impact of the hand-drying method on the risk of contamination of the washroom and toilet environment. However, whether these differences could also affect the spread of pathogens beyond the toilets remains unknown, especially as in hospitals, these are used by staff, visitors, and patients. Because hand washing is not always performed according to guidelines, 6,9 we aimed to determine whether pathogens remaining on hands following inadequate hand washing can transfer across the hospital.
We utilized a bacteriophage as an indicator of microbial contamination in a pilot study to investigate whether microorganisms that remain present on poorly washed hands and/or contaminate the user during hand drying in the toilet, can be transferred beyond the washroom environment to hospital and surfaces near patients.
