The hand-rub is called Avagard-D and it’s already a big hit with doctors and nurses. The alcohol-based product doesn’t completely eliminate hand washing, but it does cut down on the number of times health care providers have to wash.

The introduction of Avagard-D is part of an overall hand hygiene program to promote the health and safety of patients and health care providers at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics.

"You’re never far from a sink, really, because your hand hygiene can be performed with something that you carry with you in your pocket," said Dan Diekema, M.D., UI Health Care epidemiologist.

"Health care workers don’t have much time these days, and so it’s much faster. It’s also much more effective in terms of killing bacteria and other germs on people’s hands," said Loreen Herwaldt, M.D., UI Health Care epidemiologist.

The antiseptic kills 99 percent of germs and bacteria on hands. It comes in pump bottles and pocket-sized bottles and is used after an initial hand washing and can be repeated throughout the day. Avagard-D is also better for hand health than washing with soap and water.

"It actually increases hand health because of the emollients in the product. So we’re hoping that the hands of health care workers will be in better shape–healthier–using this product," said Sherry David, coordinator of the UI program.

Health care providers believe this new product will reduce the potential for infection because of its germ-killing power. They also believe it will save time and money because of its effectiveness.