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Tip of the week: Hand gel can be intoxicating

Infection Control Monitor, May 4, 2007

A patient at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center apparently got intoxicated after consuming alcohol-based hand gel from a dispenser in a bathroom. The incident was recounted in a letter published in the February 1 New England Journal of Medicine.

"Isopropanol-containing hand sanitizers are ubiquitous," the authors wrote. "Physicians should be aware of the potential for isopropanol intoxication, especially among alcoholics, in the hospital setting."

To learn more about when to use alcohol-based sanitizers, go to www.hcpro.com/content/68913.cfm. The cost is $10. Briefings on Infection Control subscribers received this story with their subscriptions.

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