5.1 This test method is designed to evaluate the virus-eliminating activity of hygienic handwash and handrub agents from experimentally-contaminated hands. Such formulations may be further assessed in a clinical trial for their effectiveness in the field. This test method incorporates whole-hand exposure and reflects actual use conditions such as friction during hand decontamination, and enables alternative product forms such as alcohol- or non-alcohol-based liquids, gels, and foams to be tested according to label directions. It is meant to extend, if required, the results of testing with Test Method E1838, which gives precise reductions in viral infectivity on a limited area of the hands. It may also serve as an alternative test method when product form is not amenable to testing by Test Method E1838.

5.2 This test method is not meant for use with surgical hand scrubs or preoperative skin preparations.

Note 2: Application of viruses on the entire surface of both hands entails a greater risk to the subjects than using fingerpads only. Therefore, greater care is needed to ensure that the hands of the participants are free from any apparent damage. Also, virus preparations must be thoroughly screened for, or documented to be free from, extraneous or adventitious pathogens before use in such tests.