Investigation of Microbiological Effects of Atmospheric Pressure Cold Plasma on Hand Disinfection

<b>Aim:</b> Atmospheric pressure cold plasma is the fourth state of matter obtained at low temperature with atmospheric pressure, which has antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, sterilization, disinfection and surface modification enhancing properties. The aim of this study is to investigate the effectiveness of plasma activated medium (PAM) obtained from atmospheric pressure cold plasma on hand disinfection.<br /> <b>Methods and Materials</b>: The study was carried out on 15 individuals aged between 18 and 65 with healthy hand structures (no wounds, no pathology). Of the 15 individuals, 5 were selected as cleaning staff, 5 as office stuff, and 5 as academics. Samples were first taken from individuals using swap for bacterial identification. Afterwards, they were asked to wash their hands for 5 minutes in 250 ml PAM. At the end of the period, samples were taken from the individuals in the same way for bacterial identification using swap. The effectiveness of PAM in terms of hand disinfection was determined by comparing these two samples.<br /> <b>Results:</b> As a result of our study, it was found that bacterial colonies decreased in 3 of the samples taken from the hands of 5 cleaning personnel, remained stable in 2, a decrease in bacterial colonies in 4 of 5 office stuff, remained constant in 1, a decrease in bacterial colonies in 3 of 5 academicians, and remained stable in 2 of them. <i>Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Bacillus megaterium, Staphylococcus capitis, Streptococcus mitis, Staphylococcus warneri</i> bacteria were identified on the hands of individuals.<br /> <b>Conclusion:</b> As a result of our study, it was found that PAM, which has no side effects in the literature, can be an effective tool for hand disinfection.