Surface disinfection and the transmission of infections in medical facilities
Surface disinfection in medical facilities is an essential practice for preventing the transmission of infections between patients, medical staff, and visitors. Surfaces contaminated with pathogens can play a significant role in the spread of diseases, as they can be touched frequently and become a favorable environment for the survival of microorganisms.
Surface disinfection for the prevention of infection transmission
The transmission of infections in medical facilities can occur in several ways, and contaminated surfaces are one of the key factors involved in this process. There are three key components in the chain of infection, namely:
1. The patient. Especially those patients with low immunity or patients undergoing invasive procedures who require prolonged hospital stays.
2. The source of pathogens, such as positive patients, environmental surfaces, devices, or water and air.
3. The mode of transmission, i.e., the path that connects the source of pathogens and susceptible subjects. It can be further divided into direct contact and indirect contact, such as touch surfaces, which present a high risk of contamination. Healthcare-associated infections are one of the leading causes of mortality in healthcare in the USA and other countries. With the development of drug-resistant microorganisms, the prevention of these infections becomes even more important.
The role of touch surfaces in contamination within medical facilities
The chances of contracting infections are significantly higher if negative patients are placed in a room previously occupied by positive patients. Studies show that pathogens can survive on almost all types of surfaces for hours, weeks, and even months. There is a direct epidemiological relationship between pathogens on surfaces (environmental surfaces and medical device surfaces) and increased risks of infection, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE), Acinetobacter, and Clostridium difficile (C. difficile).
Hand hygiene and surface disinfection
The importance of hand hygiene in reducing infection risks has been discovered, developed, and disciplined over the last 100 years. Without proper cleaning and disinfection of the environment, the beneficial effects of hand hygiene are compromised due to the frequency of use of surfaces that touch the hands and the persistence of pathogens on surfaces. Studies show that contact with environmental surfaces, including medical devices, was sufficient to contaminate the hands of doctors or nurses, just as direct contact with patients was.
How to choose an appropriate surface disinfectant
The most used are disinfectant wipes, sprays, and high-level concentrated disinfectants.
There are 4 key characteristics in choosing an appropriate surface disinfectant:
1. Contact time or dwell time. It is the time required for effective disinfection of pathogens. The main products on the market have a contact time of less than or equal to 3 minutes to meet practical needs in clinical environments.
2. Broad-spectrum disinfectants. Bactericides, virucides, and mycobactericides are the most common, but fungicidal action should also not be overlooked. According to studies, fungi accounted for between 13%-30% of the possibility of contracting an infection.
3. Cleaning properties. Organic debris, such as blood, saliva, and bodily fluids, can transmit and retain various pathogens. Choosing a disinfectant with good cleaning properties is useful.
4. Material compatibility. Medical device suppliers and disinfectant manufacturers work together. They choose suitable and durable materials for common disinfectants with good chemical compatibility. However, the disinfectant's label/leaflet must be checked/read before use.
We provide a wide range of medical disinfectants for surfaces as well as for hands, air and surface, and instruments.
