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Background: Ethanol intoxication of healthcare workers (HCWs) using alcohol-based hand rubs (ABHRs) in the workplace is a potentially serious issue. This study quantified the level of ethanol absorption among HCWs after hygienic hand disinfection., Methods: Eighty-six HCWs from Nancy University Hospital were tested before and after a 4-h shift. Participants used ABHR containing 70% ethanol. Levels of ethanol, acetaldehyde and acetate in blood and urine were determined using gas chromatography. A breathalyzer was used to measure the level of ethanol in expired air., Results: Ethanol [mean concentration 0.076 (standard deviation 0.05) mg/L] was detected in the expired air of 28 HCWs 1-2 min post exposure. Ethanol, acetaldehyde and acetate were undetectable in blood after a 4-h shift, and urine tests were negative in all participants., Conclusion: Ethanol exposure from ABHR, particularly inhalation of vapours, resulted in positive breathalyzer readings 1-2 min after exposure. Dermal absorption of ethanol was not detected. Pulmonary absorption was detected but was below toxic levels., (Copyright © 2012 The Healthcare Infection Society. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Background: Swift increase in alcohol metabolism (SIAM) is usually evoked by a large dose of ethanol, which is often demonstrated by an abrupt increase in oxygen uptake. SIAM was induced by low doses of ethanol and evaluated by pharmacokinetic analyses of ethanol and its metabolites., Methods: Rabbits were initially administered 1.0 g/kg of ethanol solution and the same dose was given to the bolus group 6 hours after the first injection. The infusion group was administered 0.25 g/kg/h of ethanol 2 hours after the first injection. Blood concentrations of ethanol, acetaldehyde, and acetate were then determined and comparisons were made using pharmacokinetic parameters., Results: A significantly higher ethanol elimination rate was observed after re-administration of ethanol to the bolus group. Other pharmacokinetic parameters were unaffected. The concentration at steady state (Css) for the infusion group was stable. A significantly higher level of mean residence time (MRT) in blood acetaldehyde was observed for the bolus group, whereas no MRT changes were observed for the infusion group. A significantly higher level of blood acetate Css was observed after re-administration of ethanol to the bolus group, following the changes in area under concentration and MRT. No Css changes were observed for the infusion group. The Css of acetate at stage 2 was significantly higher for the bolus group, compared to the infusion group., Conclusion: Low doses of ethanol enhanced alcohol metabolism in rabbits, according to a pharmacokinetic analysis of circulating ethanol concentrations. Simultaneous analyses of its metabolites followed the kinetic of ethanol.