What factors should be considered in the selection of a germicidal detergent for use in a modern health care facility?
- Efficacy: Is the product germicidal, tuberculocidal, fungicidal
and virucidal simultaneously in the presence of hard water (400ppm)
and 5% blood serum. Does the product have a stable, extended shelf
life after dilution?
- Safety: Does the concentrated product cause eye or skin damage?
Is the concentrated product orally or dermally toxic? Does the
product contain potential skin depigmenting agents or other harmful
ingredients? Are there any special storage or flammability issues
associated with the product?
- Refer to product evaluation
form (PDF, requires Adobe Acrobat Reader.
To install Acrobat Reader for free, click on the button below.)
Are tuberculocidal products necessary since TB is an airborne disease?
The rationale for the use of tuberculocidal agents is not based on the desire to control Mycobacterium tuberculosis, but rather to insure that the disinfectant is effective against a host of bloodborne pathogens. Effectiveness against TB moves a disinfectant to the intermediate level whereas non-TB agents are classified as low-level disinfectants.
What are the current OSHA requirements for cleaning blood and body fluids?
The current OSHA requirement regarding the cleaning of contaminated work surfaces is that these surfaces are to be cleaned with an "appropriate disinfectant." Appropriate disinfectants include:
- a diluted bleach solution and EPA-registered tuberculocides
- sterilants registered by EPA
- products registered against HIV/HBV
- sterilants/high level disinfectants registered by the FDA
Any of the above mentioned products are considered effective when used according to the manufacturer's instructions, provided the surfaces have not become contaminated with agents or volumes of or concentrations of agents for which higher level disinfection is recommended.
What is a contaminated surface?
A contaminated surface is defined as the presence or reasonably anticipated presence of blood or other potentially infectious material.
Where can I find guidelines from APIC, CDC or OSHA regarding the use of germicidal detergents?
See Links. APIC has a list of publications that cover most of these subjects. Contact Wexford Labs, Inc. for copies of third party information.
Can phenolic-based germicidal detergents be used on neonatal contact surfaces?
Yes. According to the Fourth Edition of Guidelines for Perinatal Care (1997): "Unnecessary exposure of neonates to disinfectants should be avoided, and strict adherence to manufacturers' recommendations is essential. Quaternary ammonias, chlorine compounds and phenolic compounds are satisfactory disinfectants. Use should be limited to disinfectant-detergent products registered by the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency and recommended by the manufacturer for nursery surfaces with neonates have contact."
Are waterless alcohol hand hygiene products meant to replace hand washing?
No. Alcohol based hand sanitizers are meant only for use on hands without visible soil or obvious contamination. The waterless alcohol hand hygiene products are meant to help improve hand hygiene compliance through improved accessibility, more efficient use of time, etc., but not as a replacement for good hand washing technique to remove organic soil contamination.
|
