New hand foam sanitiser raises bar for alcohol-free hand rubs in healthcare

Published: 5-Sep-2017

Byotrol has developed INVIRTU, a luxurious alcohol-free foaming hand sanitiser effective at killing germs while being clinically proven to not dry hands after repeated use

While hand hygiene is fundamental in preventing the spread of healthcare associated infection (HAI), it is increasingly recognised that many hand rubs and sanitisers can dry the skin when used regularly.

Byotrol’s alcohol free INVIRTU Hand Foam Sanitiser has been specifically formulated to be kind to skin, without compromising at all on the high-level of efficacy and performance required within healthcare settings.

Recent studies show that people demonstrate better hand hygiene protocols if a product feels good on their skin. In a market dominated by alcohol hand rubs, a high quality alcohol-free product has been hard to find – until now.

“Our new formulation of hand sanitiser has been developed to be non-drying on the skin and remain efficacious while still providing an exceptional microbial kill, ” says Dr Chris Plummer, Chief Microbiologist at Byotrol.

It takes approximately 30 seconds to dry once applied, giving staff ample time to perform the World Health Organisation (WHO) recommended Ayliffe hand rub technique, so ensuring hand hygiene compliance. This compares to many alcohol-based products when skin can become dry and aggravated and where users may then be less likely to adhere to the full hand hygiene protocols expected.

Stringent laboratory testing

The sanitiser has undergone stringent laboratory testing, including a rigorous 96-hour patch test designed to assess irritation to skin. A Transepidermal Water Loss (TEWL) test, which examines levels of skin dehydration, was also undertaken and results proved that the product maintains and supports the natural pH balance of the skin.

The patented product meets key EN European Standards for a hand rub, specifically EN 1500, EN 13624, EN 1650, EN 13727, EN 1276 and EN 14476 against influenza A (H1N1 Swine Flu) and Rotavirus. INVIRTU Hand Foam Sanitiser is formulated to kill 99.99 per cent of common germs and viruses including MRSA and E. coli. It is effective against bacteria such as Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella typhimurium and Streptococcus pyogenes and yeast Candida albicans.

The sanitiser is alcohol-free and non-flammable reducing risk for use around vulnerable and dependent patients and visitors. The product is colour free, fragrance free and is compatible with all the major brands of glove used in healthcare settings.

Launched by Byotrol in the Summer the sanitiser is now listed via the NHS Supply Chain Portal.

You may also like