October 25, 2007 - 3M Health Care announced the launch this week of its Avagard Foam Instant Hand Antiseptic with Moisturizers, a quick drying, nonaerosol product that reportedly provides fast, effective bacterial kill.
The maker says Avagard Foam contains a balanced blend of five different emollients, which are designed to moisturize and condition the hands as it disinfects. It offers many of the qualities of aerosol foams, such as quick drying and easy spreading, while avoiding aerosol can disposal costs. Avagard Foam also does not contain gel-thickening agents that can clog dispensers or leave gel residue on hands after the alcohol has evaporated.
According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, good hand hygiene compliance has been shown to decrease outbreaks in hospitals, to reduce spreading of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and to reduce infection rates. In addition, lack of proper hand hygiene remains one of the top sources of hospital-acquired infections in the United States.
Avagard Foam demonstrated rapid in vitro bactericidal activity against a broad range of organisms tested, including antibiotic resistant strains such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus epidermidis (MRSE) and vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecalis (VRE).
3M said Avagard Foam Instant Hand Antiseptic is safe for repeat use and is compatible with latex and synthetic non-latex gloves, including nitrile, neoprene, polyisoprene and vinyl PVC. It is also compatible with Chlorhexidine Gluconate (CHG). The foam antiseptic is latex-free, dye-free, preservative-free, paraben-free and fragrance-free.
For more information: www.3m.com