Handwashing technique testing using GlitterBug® products involves employing ultraviolet (UVA) light to visualize the areas on your hands where contaminants might still linger after washing. This provides immediate feedback on your handwashing effectiveness and can help you improve your technique.
Here’s how to test handwashing
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- Application of tracer: Apply GlitterBug® Potion, a harmless UV-fluorescent lotion, to your hands. This will mimick the presence of germs and contaminants.
- Handwashing: Wash your hands as you normally would, following the recommended steps and duration (20+ seconds).
- UVA light exposure: Shine the GlowBarLED light on your hands. The lotion will fluoresce brightly revealing any areas where you missed during washing.
Benefits of using GlitterBug® Potion and GlowBarLED for handwashing technique testing
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- Visual feedback: Provides immediate and clear visualization of missed areas, allowing you to focus your efforts on improving your technique.
- Educational tool: Can be used to raise awareness about the importance of proper handwashing and educate individuals on effective handwashing techniques.
- Motivational tool: Seeing the areas you missed can serve as a motivator to improve your handwashing habits.
Best UVA LED lamps for handwashing technique testing
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- GlowBarLED: Portable and convenient, this is ideal for individual use or small group demonstrations.
- GBX GlitterBug® Disclosure Center: A plastic hand-viewing chamber powered by GlowBarLED helps shield out ambient light to help view the glowing effect in bright environments.
- GlitterBug Maxi Disclosure Center: A larger viewing chamber with plug-in LED light bar which can accommodate two people at once.
Things to keep in mind
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- Prolonged exposure to UVA light can be harmful to eyes, so it’s important to avoid looking directly into the light.
- UVA light testing only reveals the presence of the GlitterBug® Potion, not actual germs. Therefore, proper handwashing with soap and water is still essential for effective hygiene.
Overall, using GlitterBug® Potion and the GlowBarLED lamp for handwashing technique testing can be a valuable tool for promoting and improving hand hygiene practices. By providing immediate visual feedback, it can help individuals of all ages learn and adopt proper handwashing techniques, ultimately contributing to better overall health by decreasing the spread of germs and disease.