Research and analysis

Hand hygiene alternatives to soap and water for reducing C. difficile

A rapid systematic review on hand hygiene alternatives to soap and water for reducing C. difficile.

• From: UK Health Security Agency
• Published: 9 July 2026

Documents

Effectiveness of hand hygiene agents as alternatives to soap and water to reduce Clostridioides difficile in health and social care settings where care is provided: a rapid systematic review

Ref: GOV-20837

PDF, 654 KB, 39 pages

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Details

This rapid systematic review (search up from 1 January 1990 to 12 December 2025) identified and summarised evidence relating to the effectiveness of  hypochlorous acid or chlorine-containing hand hygiene agents (excluding agents containing only alcohol as the active ingredient), as alternatives to soap and water, to reduce transmission of Clostridioides difficile (C. difficile) in health and social care settings. 

Two randomised cross-over studies and one non-randomised cross-over study were included.

Published 9 July 2026