Ask the expert: Topping off soap dispensers
Q: Is there any reason why we cannot buy liquid soap in bulk containers and fill our small ones? It would be a cost savings.
A: As practical as it sounds the CDC guideline for hand hygiene does not recommend topping off hand hygiene dispensers.
“Do not add soap to a partially empty soap dispenser. This practice of ‘topping off’ dispensers can lead to bacterial contamination of soap (IA) (187,419).”
CDC guidelines are only recommendations, but your state’s health department can adopt them for enforcement.
Also, in the event of an exposure or outbreak, do you really want to put yourself in a position to explain why you chose not to follow CDC guidelines?
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David LaHoda
David LaHoda, the managing editor of Medical Environment Update and OSHA Watch, has produced healthcare training videos and consulted for medical practices and ambulatory healthcare facilities.
David has written 369 posts.
Comments
I’m hoping you can clarify something… The question asks about “hand sanitizer”, whereas the answer refers to “soap.” Are you assuming that the CDC’s recommendation includes alcohol-based hand sanitizer? If that’s case, I wonder how much bacteria can even contaminate hand sanitizer, and if it’s actually an issue to “top off” hand sanitizer dispensers.
As a side note, my employer, an ophthalmology practice, was obviously not aware of this recommendation, because refillable soap dispensers are installed in all of the bathrooms. Is this something I should address?
Lora, you are correct. The CDC reference was to soap, and I have changed the post to avoid confusion.
As to your question about soap dispensers in the bathroom, that would depend on whether your practice has control over the cleaning and re-supplying. The CDC FAQ on hand hygiene goes into more detail on not topping off soap dispensers:
“Hand care products, including plain (non-antimicrobial) soap and antiseptic products, can become contaminated or support the growth of microorganisms. Liquid products should be stored in closed containers and dispensed from either disposable containers or containers that are washed and dried thoroughly before refilling. Soap should not be added to a partially empty dispenser, because this practice of ‘topping off’ might lead to bacterial contamination of soap and negate the beneficial effect of hand cleaning and disinfection. Store and dispense products according to manufacturer’s instructions.”
Thanks for the information!
It would seem that there are two separate issues here. One is the contamination of the soap that can result in bacterial growth. The other is the contamination of the dispenser itself. Therefore, it seems to me, that the admonition about topping off applies to all liquid products, whether they involve soap or hand sanitizer.
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