Ozonated water is inferior to propanol-based hand rubs for disinfecting hands

SummaryOzone is a strong oxidizing biocide that has broad-spectrum antimicrobial properties. The aim of the study was to compare the efficacy of ozone to a propanol-based hand rub for hand disinfection. Twenty subjects were enrolled in an in-vivo cross-over trial (prEN 12791). Subjects treated their hands with the reference procedure (propan-1-ol 60%) or with ozone (4 ppm). Post-wash bacterial counts were determined from one hand (immediate effect), and from the other hand that had been gloved for 3 h (delayed effect). The investigation indicated that ozone is inferior to propan-1-ol 60% hand rub for hand asepsis.