Handwashing technique analysis

• US 6,524,390 B1
• Filed: 05/16/1995
• Issued: 02/25/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 05/16/1995
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Jones C. Kerry
• Original Assignee: Jones C. Kerry
• Inventors: Jones, C. Kerry
• Primary Examiner(s): WARDEN, JILL ALICE
• Application Number:
  US08/441,823
• Time in Patent Office: 2,842 Days
• Field of Search: 252/408.1, 252/301.16, 134/1, 134/26, 134/42, 134/29, 128/633
• US Class Current: 134/1
• CPC Class Codes: C09K 11/06 containing organic luminescent materials
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 21/6447 by visual observation

Abstract

A handwashing medium which may be in liquid, cream, powder or spray form is provided with a detection agent such as an invisible fluorescent additive, which combination is then rubbed onto one'"'"'s hands using the individual'"'"'s handwashing technique and is allowed to dry. The individual'"'"'s hands are rinsed with water as in the normal handwashing fashion and the hands are then exposed to an activating agent such as an ultraviolet (UV) light source. Areas missed during handwashing retain the fluorescent additive and are clearly visible due to fluorescence. The method is useful in evaluating one'"'"'s handwashing technique and has applicability anywhere cleanliness is required such as in hospitals, clinics, restaurants, etc., and may be used as an instructional aid in teaching young children proper hygiene techniques. The invisible fluorescent additive in a handwashing medium may also be used in determining patterns of body part contact such as contact with one'"'"'s hands or feet in a given area by applying the invisible fluorescent additive to a body part and exposing the area to UV light to detect the presence of residue of the fluorescent agent.

Claims

1. A method for evaluating a person'"'"'s handwashing technique comprising the steps of:

adding an invisible detection agent to a handwashing medium;

applying a handwashing medium containing the invisible detection agent to the person'"'"'s hands;

moving the person'"'"'s hands into contact with one another in accordance with the handwashing technique of the person so as to spread said handwashing medium over both hands of the person;

rinsing both hands in water so as to remove said handwashing medium from the hands and said detection agent from portions of the hands exposed to and cleaned by said handwashing medium; and

directing an activating agent onto the person'"'"'s hands for rendering said detection agent visible and determining the presence of any of said detection agent on the hands indicating an unwashed portion of the hands.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein said handwashing medium is in liquid, cream, powder or spray form.

3. The method of claim 2 wherein said detection agent is in liquid, cream, powder or spray form.

4. The method of claim 1 wherein said detection agent is a fluorescent material.

5. The method of claim 4 wherein said activating agent is an ultraviolet light source.

6. An arrangement for washing one'"'"'s hands and for indicating those portions of the hands which are not cleaned during the handwashing process, said arrangement comprising:

a washing agent for cleaning the hands when applied to the hands;

a detection agent disposed in said washing agent and generally invisible to the eye;

water for rinsing the hands and washing away said washing agent wherein said detection agent remains on portions of the hands not exposed to and cleaned by said washing agent after the hands are rinsed with water and said washing agent is washed away;

an activating agent directed onto the hands for activating said detection agent for indicating those portions of the hands which have not been cleaned during the handwashing process.

7. The arrangement of claim 6 wherein said washing agent is in liquid, cream, powder or spray form.

8. The arrangement of claim 7 wherein said detection agent is in liquid, cream, powder or spray form.

9. The arrangement of claim 6 wherein said detection agent is a fluorescent material.

10. The arrangement of claim 9 wherein