by Types of Surgical Disinfectants
Hospital surgical disinfectants come in various forms to address different needs in healthcare facilities. Some of the main types include:
Alcohol-based Disinfectants
Alcohol-based Hospital Surgical Disinfectants, usually containing at least 60% ethanol or isopropanol, are commonly used for disinfecting hands and small medical equipment. Their rapid broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity makes them useful for disinfecting items that cannot be sterilized through heat such as stethoscopes. Alcohol disinfectants work by denaturing proteins and dissolving lipid membranes of viruses and bacteria.
Chlorine Disinfectants
Chlorine-releasing agents like sodium hypochlorite are effective disinfectants for surfaces, equipment, and devices. At appropriate concentrations (1000 ppm), chlorine disinfectants can inactivate a wide range of microbes including bacteria, viruses, and fungi. They are often used for disinfecting floors and large medical equipment that cannot be gas sterilized. Chlorine disinfectants work by oxidizing proteins and nucleic acids of microbes.
Hydrogen Peroxide Disinfectants
Disinfecting wipes and liquids containing hydrogen peroxide are commonly used in hospitals. At concentrations of 3-6%, hydrogen peroxide can rapidly kill many pathogenic microbes including mycobacteria. It produces strong oxidizing agents like hydroxyl free radicals that damage nucleic acids and proteins in microbes. Hydrogen peroxide vapor has also been used for sterilizing medical equipment and facilities without leaving toxic residues.
Phenolic Disinfectants
Phenolic disinfectants containing o-phenylphenol or o-benzyl-p-chlorophenol are broad-spectrum agents effective against bacteria, viruses, and fungi. They are widely used for disinfecting floors and surfaces in hospitals. Phenolic disinfectants denature proteins and disrupt microbial membranes. However, their use has reduced in recent times due to concerns about toxicity.
Selection of Surgical Disinfectants
There are several factors to consider when selecting appropriate surgical disinfectants for different purposes:
Spectrum of Activity
The disinfectant should be capable of inactivating all target pathogens including difficult to kill microbes. A broad-spectrum disinfectant will be required in operating rooms and ICUs.
Contact Time
The minimum contact time required by the disinfectant to achieve effective disinfection should be practical. Disinfectants requiring long contact times may not be suitable for high traffic areas.
Surface Compatibility
The disinfectant should not cause any corrosion or damage to surfaces of medical equipment, devices, or fixed surfaces over repeated applications. Compatibility testing is important.
Toxicity and Safety Issues
Disinfectants used on medical equipment and devices should have minimal toxicity risk. Risks of occupational exposure through inhalation, dermal or ocular absorption should be low.
Cost-Effectiveness
Cost of purchase and use including dilutions required should be practical for hospital disinfection programs without compromising efficacy.
Ease of Use
Disinfectants should be easy to prepare, apply and allow no-rinse use to reduce occupational exposure risks and promote compliance.
Roles of Surgical Disinfectants
Hospital surgical disinfectants play a crucial role at various stages to prevent healthcare-associated infections:
Pre-operative Skin Preparation
Chlorhexidine or povidone-iodine solutions are commonly used for surgical site antisepsis prior to incision to reduce the bioburden and help prevent surgical site infections.
Instrument Disinfection
Heat-tolerant surgical instruments are disinfected using liquid chemical disinfectants such as ortho-phthalaldehyde or hydrogen peroxide between uses on different patients to decontaminate them.
Surface Disinfection
Frequently touched areas in operating rooms and ICUs are disinfected regularly with suitable disinfectants like bleach to limit the spread of pathogens via surfaces.
Disinfection of Rooms & Equipment
Terminal disinfection of rooms, equipment and floor after patient discharge helps remove any residual pathogens and prepares the area for the next case.
Hand Hygiene Compliance
Alcohol-based handrubs are recommended for hand hygiene in most clinical settings due to their superiority over soap. This enhances adherence.
Disinfection & Sterilization Programs
A well-designed and implemented program that covers all steps from point of use cleaning through sterilization/disinfection helps prevent HAI transmission in hospital.
Proper selection and use of hospital surgical disinfectants complement other interventions in infection control programs to limit the spread of pathogens in healthcare settings. Regular training and auditing help optimize disinfection practices. Advancements in disinfectant formulations continue to introduce agents that improve safety, efficacy and practicality for use. Adhering to evidence-based guidelines ensures disinfection protocols achieve their goal of enhancing patient outcomes through reduced risk of HAIs.
*Note:
1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public Source, Desk Research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it
About Author - Alice Mutum
Alice Mutum is a seasoned senior content editor at Coherent Market Insights, leveraging extensive expertise gained from her previous role as a content writer. With seven years in content development, Alice masterfully employs SEO best practices and cutting-edge digital marketing strategies to craft high-ranking, impactful content. As an editor, she meticulously ensures flawless grammar and punctuation, precise data accuracy, and perfect alignment with audience needs in every research report. Alice's dedication to excellence and her strategic approach to content make her an invaluable asset in the world of market insights. LinkedIn
