Wash. Flush. Protect
Hand hygiene gaps in hospitals
Despite decades of public health campaigns, hand hygiene compliance in healthcare settings remains alarmingly inconsistent. A 2023 study by the University of Surrey, conducted at Bispebjerg Hospital in Denmark, found that 43.7% of hospital toilet users failed to wash their hands after using the facilities, with non-compliance peaking at 61.8% during certain weeks. These lapses were most common at the start and end of the day and around mealtimes—precisely when infection risks are elevated.
The researchers used pipe sensors to detect water flow within four minutes of a toilet flush, providing objective data that bypassed the inaccuracies of self-reporting. The findings challenge the assumption that handwashing has become habitual post-Covid, especially in environments where hygiene is critical. Experts involved in the study called for a shift away from passive interventions like posters and hand gel stations toward behavioural strategies that actively engage users.
Glow 2 Show as a behavioural training tool
Glow 2 Show directly addresses the behavioural shortcomings highlighted in the Surrey study. By using UV-reactive lotion and a blacklight box, it provides instant visual feedback on missed areas after handwashing. This transforms hygiene training from a passive reminder into an active learning experience—one that’s memorable, engaging, and effective.
For hospital staff, Glow 2 Show can be embedded into induction programs and ongoing compliance checks, reinforcing proper technique and accountability. For patients and visitors, especially in high-risk wards, it can be used to raise awareness and encourage participation in infection control, supporting a culture of shared responsibility. The product’s visual nature also makes it ideal for group education sessions, posters, and interactive demonstrations.
Evidence from Hong Kong Polytechnic University: UV training improves technique
The value of UV-based training is further supported by a large-scale observational study conducted at Hong Kong Polytechnic University. Researchers recruited 664 participants and used fluorescent lotion and a UV hand scanner to objectively measure handwashing effectiveness. Participants were asked to wash their hands without instruction, and their technique was analysed using over 700 video recordings and 2,300 hand images.
The study found that performance and duration of specific handwashing steps were strongly associated with decontamination outcomes. For example, step 3 (rubbing between fingers) was the most frequently omitted, while step 4 (rubbing the dorsum of fingers) was often performed incorrectly. The optimal handwashing time was 28–31 seconds, with each step ideally lasting 4–5 seconds. Residual contamination was most common on the wrists, fingertips, and between fingers—areas that Glow 2 Show visually highlights.
This research confirms that UV training tools not only improve technique but also help standardise hygiene practices, making them especially valuable in clinical settings where consistency is key. The study’s use of advanced image processing and statistical analysis adds credibility to its findings, reinforcing the case for integrating UV-based feedback into hygiene education.
Bridging intention and action
Together, these studies underscore a critical truth: knowing about hand hygiene isn’t enough. People need timely prompts, visual feedback, and hands-on practice to build lasting habits. Glow 2 Show bridges the gap between intention and action by making invisible risks visible and reinforcing correct technique in real time.
In environments where hygiene failures can have serious consequences, Glow 2 Show offers a practical, scalable, and scientifically backed solution. It’s not just a training tool—it’s a behavioural intervention that supports safer, cleaner healthcare for everyone.