Standard Guide for Testing Leave-On Products Using In-Situ Methods

1.1 This guide covers test methods and sampling procedure options for leave-on products for consumer and hospital personnel. Leave-on products, such as alcohol hand rubs and lotions containing antimicrobial ingredients, are increasingly marketed and used by consumers and health care personnel. These products are distinguished from conventional washing and scrubbing preparations in that they do not rely on the rinsing, physical removal, and antimicrobial action in determining their effectiveness. Although agitation and friction may serve to release organisms from the skin and folds and crevices, organisms are then killed in situ and are not rinsed from the skin surface before sampling. Appropriate test methods for the hands have been published, while other sampling methods will be needed for testing body areas other than the hands.

1.2 Methods of recovery after application of the contaminating organisms to a part of the body other than by the agitation/rubbing of the hands against a glass petri plate also need examination. Consideration should be given to contact plating, controlled swabbing with a template, and cup scrubbing (detergent/agitation used) since the target organisms for recovery are likely to be on the superficial layers of skin.

1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard.

This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory requirements prior to use.