Active ingredients in biocidal products – Part I – Alcohols, phenols, aldehydes
Alcohols Ethanol, isopropanol, and n-propanol are the most widely used alcohols, both as antiseptics and as disinfectants. They act against bacteria, viruses, and fungi. They inhibit sporulation, but the effect is reversible. They can be combined in low concentrations to enhance the activity of other biocides. Many alcohol-based products also include excipients (including emollients),...
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Active ingredients in biocidal products – Part III – Halogenated compounds, quaternary ammonium compounds
Halogenated compounds Iodine compounds are among the most widely used antiseptics. Iodine was discovered by chance in 1811 by Bernard Courtois, a pharmacist in the French army. Iodine tinctures were used for a long time as antiseptics, while iodophors also have disinfectant properties. An iodophor is a combination of iodine and a solubilizing agent...
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Active substances in biocidal products – Part II – Peroxides, biguanides
Peroxides Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) was first discovered in 1818 by the French chemist Louis Jacques Thénard, who obtained it by treating barium peroxide with nitric acid. This method was used from the end of the 19th century to the middle of the 20th century. Pure hydrogen peroxide was first obtained in 1894 (by vacuum...
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Hand hygiene and products intended for its hygienic and surgical disinfection
Preventing and minimizing HAIs (Healthcare-Associated Infections, so-called nosocomial infections) has always been a major objective of medicine, being the best indicator of the safety and quality of medical care. Hands are the primary route for the transmission of pathogens. Therefore, hand hygiene represents the foundation of the HAI prevention process. By applying certain simple...
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The ideal disinfectant
Although the ideal disinfectant may not yet exist, a careful selection process and correct use of biocides are necessary to reduce negative effects on the safety and health of patients and staff in healthcare facilities. An effective disinfectant is a chemical substance or product that can destroy or inactivate pathogenic microorganisms, such as bacteria,...
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High-level disinfectants effective against HPV
HPV (Human Papillomavirus) infection is the most common sexually transmitted infection affecting both women and men. Recent studies show that the virus can also spread easily through non-sexual contact: towels or other infected objects, transvaginal ultrasound probes, specula, and colposcopes that are not properly sanitized. Virus spread via fomites retains 50% of its infectivity...
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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...
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