Advantages of using disinfectant wipes for surfaces and medical instruments
Disinfection by wiping has been proven to be more effective than spraying because the latter lacks the mechanical wiping action. Using disinfectant wet wipes can help prevent infections by stopping the spread of microorganisms to patients or between rooms. They are an excellent tool for reducing cross-contamination.
The use of disinfectant wipes is an easy method for cleaning and disinfecting surfaces, instruments, and medical devices used for diagnostic purposes (ECG electrodes, stethoscopes, ultrasound probes, vital sign monitoring wristbands, examination tables, etc.). They disinfect high-touch surfaces with a high risk of contamination (triage/waiting areas, locker rooms, consultation rooms). They can be used in hospitals, clinics, laboratories, polyclinics, medical offices, and ambulances, including their office areas or canteen areas.
To be effective, the contact times recommended by the manufacturer must be observed.
The benefits of sanitization using disinfectant wet wipes
Using disinfectant wet wipes offers the following advantages:
- they are safe to use
- they prevent cross-contamination: being intended for single use, multiple surfaces are not cleaned at the same time, as is the case when using a cloth
- they can be used around patients with respiratory problems: they do not produce aerosols as in the case of spray disinfectants
- they prevent the onset of illnesses due to repetitive movements, as in the case of using sprayers
- skin exposure to chemicals is reduced: by using wipes, we are not exposed to the risk of accidentally spilling disinfectant solution
- they are cost-effective
- they clean and disinfect quickly
- they do not require rinsing afterward
- water consumption is reduced, as dilution is not necessary
- they are easy to use and do not require application devices
- they offer controlled use: there is no risk of accidentally using too much disinfectant, which could lead to waste or even intoxication
- they can be used on a multitude of surfaces in different places (medical facilities, schools, shops, factories, office buildings, parks, etc.)
- they are easy to store
- some of them even offer high-level disinfection, having a broad spectrum of action (bactericidal, fungicidal, yeasticidal, mycobactericidal, tuberculocidal, virucidal, sporicidal)
Various studies have proven that the effectiveness of disinfectant wipes is influenced by several factors:
- Type and concentration of the disinfectant
- Material of the wipe
- Interaction between the material and the disinfectant
- Method of application
- Wiping strategy, including pressure force applied, surface wiped, geometry of the mechanical action, number of passes, and contact time
- Storage time
Effective disinfectant wet wipes
The most commonly used disinfectant wet wipes for surfaces contain the following active ingredients: ethyl alcohol, isopropyl alcohol, chlorhexidine, hydrogen peroxide, peracetic acid, alkyl-dimethyl-benzylammonium chloride, didecyl-dimethyl-ammonium chloride.
The Klintensiv portfolio includes the following products for disinfecting surfaces, instruments, and medical devices: Disinfectant wet wipes, Klinomed Wipes, Dezidiol Wipes (a TP1 version also exists), Peroklin Wipes.
- KLINOMED WIPES present good cleaning and degreasing capacity, being indicated for disinfecting hard surfaces, instruments, and medical devices. They contain 85% v/v ethanol, are non-corrosive, and offer medium-level disinfection in a maximum of 2 minutes (for surfaces) and a maximum of 5 minutes (for instruments).
- KLINTENSIV DISINFECTANT WET WIPES contain 0.34% didecyldimethylammonium chloride and 0.09% quaternary ammonium compounds, benzyl-C12-18-alkyldimethyl, chlorides. The wipe material ensures adequate cleaning and disinfection due to low-foaming surfactants. The product is non-corrosive and offers high-level disinfection in 60 minutes and medium-level in 5 minutes (for surfaces) and a minimum of 10 minutes (for instruments).
- PEROKLIN WIPES are wipes impregnated with Peroklin disinfectant solution (6% w/w hydrogen peroxide and 0.35% w/w didecyldimethylammonium chloride). They feature high compatibility with various surfaces, being non-corrosive. They offer high-level disinfection in a maximum of 60 minutes and medium-level in a maximum of 5 minutes (for surfaces) and a maximum of 10 minutes (for instruments).
- DEZIDIOL WIPES contain 36% w/w ethanol, 24% isopropanol, and 0.5% w/w chlorhexidine digluconate. They are compatible with a wide range of surfaces. They are effective even in soiled conditions, in the presence of organic matter (blood, pus, etc.). Under normal conditions of use, they are not irritating to the skin, or ocular or oral mucosa. They offer medium-level disinfection in a maximum of 3 minutes.
Instructions for use
To be effective, disinfectant wipes must be used in accordance with the instructions for use and the medical facility's internal protocols. It is recommended that they be handled in accordance with staff protection requirements (as per the product Safety Data Sheet).
Pre-clean the surfaces to be disinfected: remove visible dirt and debris from surfaces.
Store them appropriately in a cool, dry place, away from sunlight, ensuring that the container remains tightly closed after each use.
