Abstract
KNOWLEDGE SUMMARY UPDATE: This paper is an update to 'In Small Animal Surgery Are Alcoholic Hand Rubs Superior to Scrubbing Brushes and Antimicrobial Soap at Reducing Bacterial Counts?' by Mann (2016).Please click the link to view the original paper: https://doi.org/10.18849/ve.v1i4.51. PICO QUESTION: In small animal surgery are alcoholic hand rubs superior to scrubbing brushes and antimicrobial soap at reducing bacterial counts? CATEGORY OF RESEARCH: Prevalence. NUMBER AND TYPE OF STUDY DESIGNS REVIEWED: Two studies. One prospective randomised controlled trial and one clinical trial. STRENGTH OF EVIDENCE: Moderate. OUTCOMES REPORTED: That alcohol hand rubs are as effective, if not more, than antimicrobial soap for presurgical hand preparation when used according to the manufacturer guidelines. CONCLUSION: Alcohol hand rubs are as effective than antimicrobial soaps at presurgical hand preparation. If human healthcare studies were included in this Knowledge Summary, the results would likely be stronger and more conclusive so this should be considered for a separate knowledges summary. There are also added benefits to using alcohol hand rubs such as saving water and quicker preparation of the surgical scrub team.