Quality and in vitro efficacy of alcoholic gels for use in the health system in municipalities in the south of Espírito Santo state, Brazil

Abstract

Introduction:
One of the most efficient measures to avoid infection by SARS-CoV-2 and prevent COVID-19 is to ensure proper hand hygiene, which can be adequately achieved with the use of antiseptics containing ethyl alcohol. Objectives: This work aimed to prepare, evaluate the quality and research the in vitro activity of alcoholic gels produced for donation to health services in municipalities in the southern region of Espírito Santo (Brazil). Methods: Three batches of gel containing ethyl alcohol at 77% v/v were prepared, which had the following quality parameters evaluated: appearance, pH, relative density, resistance to centrifugation, viscosity, content, texture profile and count of total mesophilic microorganisms. In vitro antimicrobial efficacy was studied. Results: The pH values range from 6.2 to 6.5; the relative density, between 0.864 and 0.876 g/mL; the viscosity between 115,500 and 123,500 cP; hardness between 33 and 40 g; and, elasticity and adhesion between 1.42 and 6.76 mm and 1.1 to mJ, respectively. There was no fluidization during the mechanical stress tests. The ethyl alcohol content ranged from 69.15 to 72.75%. The products met the specifications regarding the absence of microorganisms and inhibited the growth of the tested strains. Conclusion: The gels presented quality according to the recommended specifications, being considered effective for use as hand antiseptic. The work is unprecedented, as it brings together the discussion of legislation, preparation procedure, physicochemical and microbiological quality tests and parameters and, research on the in vitro effectiveness of antiseptics gels based on ethyl alcohol.