VM Safety and Efficacy of Monolaurin, a Coconut Oil Extract vs. Ethyl Alcohol Rinse-Free Hand Antiseptic Gels on MMC Personnel’s Hands and Microbial Isolates

Abraham ERL and Verallo-Rowell VM

The hands have been identified as a major factor in the transfer of bacteria and the spread of disease. Universal precautions require that health care personnel wash their hands before and after patient contact. Hand washing is considered as the most important single procedure for preventing nosocomial infections. In the Philippines, there is poor compliance with hand washing protocols because water may not be available at all times coupled with lack of motivation or knowledge about its importance. This study evaluated immediate and persistent antimicrobial effectiveness of 70% isopropyl alcohol and 1.5% lauricidin, a coconut oil metabolite using a U.S Food and Drug Administration approved effectiveness protocol.

Results indicate that both antiseptics were equally effective after a single application and after repeated use. Lauricidin is an emollient and is non-irritating while alcohol dries and is an irritant favoring lauricidin as a rinse-free hand antiseptic formula for normal hand washing. (Phil J Microbiol Infect Dis 2000; 29(3):128-135)

Available at: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/237555863_Testing_of_Lauricidin_Versus_Isopropyl_Alcohol_for_Antisepsis_of_Cutaneous_Hand_Microbes_to_Prevent_Infection [accessed May 11, 2016].

• Abraham ERL and Verallo-Rowell VM Safety and Efficacy of Monolaurin, a Coconut Oil Extract vs. Ethyl Alcohol Rinse-Free Hand Antiseptic Gels on MMC Personnel’s Hands and Microbial Isolates. FIRST Prize MMC 17th Resident’s Research Contest. Published J of the Phil Dermatol Society 2001 Nov. Vol 10 No. 2