Top 8 Hospital Disinfectants: Types, Selection CriteriaSafe Practices

Top 8 Types of Disinfectants Utilized in Hospitals

Published: February 10, 2023

Table of Contents:

1. Chlorine Chlorine Compounds

2. Hydrogen Peroxide

3. Peracetic Acid

4. Hydrogen Peroxide Peracetic Acid

5. Ortho-Phthalaldehyde OPA

6. Phenolics

7. Iodophors

8. Quaternary Ammonium Compounds

Considerations When Selecting the Appropriate Disinfectant

References

Explore this comprehensive guide on disinfectants specifically designed for use in hospital settings, which must adhere to FDA clearance or EPA registration due to their critical role in preventing healthcare-acquired infections.

When choosing a disinfectant, you must weigh several factors including safety, compatibility with surfaces, target microorganisms, ease of application and cost. Here are the top eight types commonly used:

1. Chlorine Chlorine Compounds:

• Effective for killing viruses, bacteria, fungi, and spores

• Common in solution form or as a gas e.g., chlorhexidine

• Ideal for disinfecting surfaces, equipment, textiles, and medical devices

2. Hydrogen Peroxide:

• Known for its antimicrobial action without leaving toxic residues

• Used to clean non-porous surfaces like glass and metal, and as a surgical irrigant

• Offers a versatile solution for various infection prevention needs

3. Peracetic Acid:

• Highly effective agnst bacterial spores, viruses, fungi, and yeasts

• Safe for use on medical devices and surfaces but requires careful handling due to its potent nature

• Often utilized in sterilization processes

4. Hydrogen Peroxide Peracetic Acid:

• Combined systems offering broad-spectrum antimicrobial action

• Suitable for critical areas requiring enhanced disinfection, such as operating rooms and intensive care units

• Provides an effective alternative to traditional chlorine-based solutions

5. Ortho-Phthalaldehyde OPA:

• A low-to-intermediate level disinfectant that is registered with the EPA

• Effective agnst a wide range of pathogens including enveloped viruses, fungi, and bacteria

• Particularly useful for cleaning medical equipment without causing corrosion or damage

6. Phenolics:

• Commonly used as low-level disinfectants due to their broad-spectrum activity

• Disrupts cell membranes of microorganisms but not effective agnst spores

• Suitable for non-porous surfaces like countertops and walls in patient care areas

7. Iodophors:

• Combination of iodine complexes with a solubilizing agent, offering enhanced stability compared to free iodine solutions

• Ideal for disinfecting medical equipment that comes into contact with skin but not broken skin

• Used in cleaning thermometers and blood culture bottles

8. Quaternary Ammonium Compounds QACs:

• Classed as low-level disinfectants, effective agnst bacteria, viruses, fungi, and spores

• Commonly used for surface cleaning but less effective agnst non-enveloped viruses

• Often applied in areas where patient care is performed to prevent contamination

When selecting a disinfectant for your hospital environment:

1. Safety:

   • Consider potential exposure risks both to healthcare workers and patients.

   • Opt for products with established safety profiles, especially in environments with vulnerable populations.

2. Surface Compatibility:

   • Choose a disinfectant that effectively works on the specific types of surfaces common within your facility porous vs non-porous.

3. Ease of Use Cost:

   • Assess application requirements and costs associated with each product.

   • Optimize cost efficiency while mntning proper infection control measures.

4. Target Microorganisms:

   • Select disinfectants that specifically target the pathogens most likely to cause infections in your healthcare setting.

Partnering with Alsco Uniforms for your hospital's cleaning supplies can provide you with customized solutions tlored to your facility needs. Contact us today, and we'll help equip your team with the right uniforms, linens, laundry services, and disinfectants to mntn a safe, healthy environment for patients and staff alike.

Please visit our website for detled information on how Alsco Uniforms' services can support your healthcare institution's infection control initiatives.

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