Understanding the New Volume-Based Measurement Standard for Leapfrog Hand Hygiene Grading
Hand hygiene remains a critical component in preventing healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) and ensuring patient safety. Recognizing this, the Leapfrog Group has continually refined its hand hygiene standards to help healthcare facilities maintain high levels of compliance and effectiveness. A recent update to these standards includes a new volume-based measurement for alcohol-based hand sanitizer, providing facilities with clear guidelines to ensure effective hand hygiene practices.
The Importance of Accurate Hand Sanitizer Dispensing
Effective hand hygiene depends not only on the frequency of hand cleaning but also on the correct amount of sanitizer used. Insufficient sanitizer volume can compromise the effectiveness of pathogen elimination, while excessive use can lead to wastage and unnecessary costs. To address this, Leapfrog’s new standard provides two options for measuring the volume of alcohol-based hand sanitizer dispensed:
- Volume-Based Measurement: Each activation of the hand sanitizer dispenser must produce at least 1.0 mL of sanitizer.
- “15-Seconds to Dry” Method: Alternatively, the dispensed amount should be sufficient to keep hands wet for at least 15 seconds.
Implementation and Compliance
To comply with this new standard, healthcare facilities must conduct their own audits of the sanitizer volume dispensed by their hand hygiene systems. These audits must be independent of any information provided by the sanitizer vendors, ensuring that facilities verify compliance through direct observation or measurement.
Steps for Implementing Volume-Based Measurement
- Audit Protocol Development: Facilities should establish a protocol for regularly auditing the volume of hand sanitizer dispensed. This includes setting up a schedule and identifying staff responsible for conducting the audits.
- Volume Testing: For the volume-based measurement, staff should test the dispensers to confirm that each activation produces at least 1.0 mL of sanitizer. This can be done using a graduated cylinder or other precise measuring tools.
- “15-Seconds to Dry” Testing: Alternatively, facilities can evaluate the “15-seconds to dry” method by observing if the amount dispensed keeps hands wet for at least 15 seconds during regular use. This method is particularly useful for foam sanitizers.
- Documentation and Reporting: Facilities should maintain detailed records of all audits, including the methods used and the results. This documentation is essential for internal reviews and external inspections to demonstrate compliance with Leapfrog standards.
- Dispenser Maintenance: Regular maintenance of hand sanitizer dispensers ensures consistent volume output. This includes checking and calibrating dispensers periodically to prevent variations in the amount dispensed.
Benefits of the New Standard
- Enhanced Compliance and Effectiveness: By setting a clear and measurable standard, Leapfrog helps ensure that healthcare facilities dispense the correct amount of sanitizer for effective hand hygiene.
- Flexibility and Adaptability: The dual options (volume-based and “15-seconds to dry”) provide flexibility for facilities using different types of hand sanitizers, such as liquid or foam.
- Improved Patient Safety: Consistent and adequate hand sanitizer use directly contributes to reducing the risk of HAIs, improving overall patient safety and care quality.
Leapfrog’s new volume-based measurement standard for hand hygiene is a significant step towards enhancing infection control practices in healthcare settings. By requiring facilities to independently audit and ensure the correct volume of sanitizer dispensed, Leapfrog reinforces the importance of effective hand hygiene. Compliance with this standard not only helps healthcare facilities achieve higher safety grades but also ensures a safer environment for both patients and healthcare providers.
How B4 Brands Helps Meet the Volume-based Measurement
As healthcare standards continue to evolve, B4 Brands continues to respond. Our hand sanitizers, which are fragrance free, dye free, gluten free, and allergen free, now dispense in 1 ml per application. Our goal is to assist hospitals and health professionals in meeting these new standards and, more importantly, providing safe and effective hand sanitizing for our customers. If you haven’t experienced the Avant experience and would like to try our product, please fill out the following for a free sample. (Hospital addresses only)