Historical Storyline of Surface Disinfectants
In the ancient land of Egypt, the history of surface cleaning and disinfection began with wine and vinegar. As time went on, different civilizations tried using substances like Sulphur and Mercury to get rid of invisible germs. Then, in the 17th century, a scientist named Antonie Van Leeuwenhoek found tiny organisms, and people realized these could make us sick.
In the 1880s, a guy named Joseph Lister used something called phenols to clean hospitals, but later they found out it could be harmful. In the 20th century, a new kind of cleaning stuff called quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs) came into the picture. One type, benzalkonium chloride (BZK), worked well. They also figured out that combining QACs with alcohol made them even better at killing germs.
Bleach, which has been around since 5000 BC, became important in healthcare too. In 1847, at a medical centre in Vienna, they used bleach to reduce deaths from a disease called “Childbed Fever.”
Over the years, scientists discovered better ways to fight off germs, and now we have a variety of disinfectants available.
Idea of Surface Disinfection
In healthcare settings, the battle against infectious diseases is fought on multiple fronts, with one of the most critical being the thorough disinfection of surfaces. The primary goal of surface disinfection is to eliminate or reduce the number of microorganisms (such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi) on surfaces to prevent the transmission of diseases.
What to Consider When Choosing Your Disinfectant
When choosing a surface disinfectant, ensure it meets your needs for effective use, as it plays an important role in infection prevention and control.
Consider the following factors:
Effectiveness
Ensure the disinfectant is proven to kill the specific microbes and pathogens relevant to your facility, such as bacteria or viruses. Some disinfectants are certified for specific strains, so match them with your concerns.
Contact Time
Understand how quickly the disinfectant eliminates pathogens. Products must stay wet on surfaces for the entire specified kill time to be effective. Pay attention to the recommended contact time, as some disinfectants may evaporate before completing their required duration.
Safety
Assess the safety aspects of the disinfectant for both people and surfaces. Check toxicity, flammability, and any personal protective equipment (PPE) recommendations. Ensure the disinfectant won’t cause damage or harm to the intended surfaces.
Easy Use
Evaluate the practicality of the disinfectant application process for your facility. Some disinfectants require multiple steps, and water hardness can impact effectiveness. Choose products that are convenient and suitable for your specific environment.
Types of Surface Disinfectants
Various surface disinfectants are employed in healthcare settings, each with unique properties and applications. Quaternary Ammonium Compounds (Quats), alcohol-based disinfectants, chlorine compounds, hydrogen peroxide, phenolic compounds, accelerated hydrogen peroxide (AHP), peracetic acid, iodophors, and HOCL are among the commonly used disinfectants. Selecting the appropriate disinfectant depends on factors such as the type of pathogens targeted, surface compatibility, and safety considerations.
The Key Role of Surface Disinfectants
Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) present a significant threat to patient safety, with contaminated surfaces in hospitals acting as potential reservoirs for bacteria, viruses, and fungi. These pathogens can lead to the transmission of infections between patients and healthcare workers, impacting both individual cases and the overall performance of healthcare facilities.
So, the key role of surface disinfection in healthcare is centred around infection prevention and control, aiming to protect patients, enhance the safety of healthcare workers, and ensure compliance with regulatory standards. Rigorous disinfection protocols play an important role in maintaining a safe and trusted healthcare environment by reducing the risk of transmission and preserving the well-being of patients and healthcare workers.
Surface disinfection is applied across a range of healthcare settings, from patient rooms to medical equipment. High-touch surfaces, such as doorknobs, bed rails, and light switches, are prioritized, along with medical devices and equipment. During outbreaks, effective surface disinfection becomes foremost in containing the spread of infectious agents.
Conclusion
Surface disinfection stands as a cornerstone in the defence against healthcare-associated infections. The comprehensive implementation of effective surface disinfection not only protects patients and healthcare workers but also contributes to the overall safety of healthcare facilities. With the ever-changing healthcare landscape, the continued emphasis on surface disinfection remains essential for keeping a healthier and safer healthcare environment.
Reference
- Ticsay, J. (2021, December 30). Types of disinfectants: How to make the best choice for facilities. Nyco Products Company. https://www.nycoproducts.com/resources/blog/types-of-disinfectants-how-to-make-the-best-choice-for-your-facility/
- History and evolution of surface disinfectants – PDI Healthcare. (2023, May 31). PDI Healthcare. https://pdihc.com/blog/history-and-evolution-of-surface-disinfectants/
- The century of hygiene – Evonik Industries. (2022, May 3). https://corporate.evonik.com/en/the-century-of-hygiene-138064.html
