We hypothesized that by improving hand hygiene compliance in the operative environment, we would reduce horizontal transmission of pathogenic bacteria to surgical patients.

We performed an observational study evaluating provider adherence to these techniques. We then sought to increase hand hygiene compliance through the use of a point of care alcohol based hand hygiene device. We hypothesized that increased hand hygiene compliance would reduce bacterial contamination of the anesthesia workspace and peripheral intravenous tubing, and ultimately reducing overall morbidity and mortality secondary to a reduction in nosocomial infection rates.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patients present in operating rooms randomized to study.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patients that were already enrolled in study and return to the operating room.

Operating Rooms were randomized and patients in these rooms were enrolled for the study.