Antibacterial experts and manufacturers of antibacterial soaps are showcasing the latest methods for demonstrating the effectiveness of antibacterial hand soaps and sanitizers in killing disease-causing germs.

During the 2013 meeting of the American Society for Microbiology (ASM), the American Cleaning Institute (ACI) and the Personal Care Products Council are outlining the latest scientific techniques that are being used to evaluate the activity of rinse-off and leave-on antibacterial products used on the skin.
 
“Manufacturers of antibacterial products take their responsibility for producing safe and effective products very seriously,” said Dr. Francis Kruszewski, Director of Human Health & Safety at the American Cleaning Institute. “We want to show the nation’s leading microbiologists the science behind the methods we use to evaluate the antibacterial effectiveness of hand cleansing products.”
 
In a session convened by ACI and the Personal Care Products Council, scientists demonstrate:
• New developments in scientific methods and models used to measure the germ-killing effectiveness of antibacterial products
• The science of alcohol-based hand rubs
• Statistical considerations in testing topical antimicrobial products
• The principles of microbial risk assessment
 
“The scientific methods we’re showcasing provide the foundation for ensuring the antibacterial benefits of the hand cleaning products being used in homes, hospitals, and food handling establishments every day,” said Dr. John Krowka, Senior Microbiologist at the Personal Care Products Council.
 
You can view the summary of the American Society for Microbiology workshop here.