In previous articles we published a table that showed the performance of the different disinfectant products according to their composition.
Next, we do the same analysis, but in relation to specific healthcare environments.
In this case, the choice of a disinfectant or another will be conditioned depending on the degree of previous cleaning and the level of risk of each space within a hospital or health center.
Sanitary disinfectants are usually composed of sodium hypochlorite, alcohols, quaternary ammoniums, or oxidants. Let’s look at the action each one has.

Sodium hypochlorite, the universal sanitary disinfectant

Sodium hypochlorite, commonly known as bleach, is the most widely used chlorinated disinfectant.
It acts by the oxidation of proteins and ends up destroying cellular activity.
Its use is recommended to remove traces of blood, urine or other body fluids.
Its use is limited on plastics and metals since, it can alter the surfaces.

Alcohols, sanitary disinfectants for low risk areas

The alcohols act by denaturing the proteins.
Its use is recommended for the disinfection of low-risk areas and non-critical environments. This is the case of thermometers, fans, food preparation surfaces, etc.
Its main limitation is that they are irritable, flammable and also dry the skin.

Quaternary ammoniums, sanitary disinfectants of low environmental toxicity

Quaternary ammoniums act by denaturing proteins, inactivating enzymes and destroying the cell membrane.
Its main advantage is that they are low toxicity disinfectants, although, sometimes, they can also be associated with cases of asthma or eye irritation.
Its use is recommended on low-critical or low-risk surfaces since quaternary ammoniums are quite limited against microbacteria.

Oxidants, high-level sanitizers

Oxidizing disinfectants, such as peracetic acid, act by oxidizing the cell membrane by electron transfer.
They are considered high level disinfectants and their use as a sterilizer is recommended for the disinfection of semi-critical tools or surfaces.
Although they have a very low risk of toxicity, the main limitation they present is the risk of irritation.

Previously, aldehydes were also used, such as formalin. But by demonstrating their danger to human health, they have stopped being used to give way to new alternatives.

The post Types and usage of sanitary disinfectants appeared first on Doctorclean.

healthcare-associated infections (HAIs), antimicrobial resistance, health costs, and saves lives. Poor compliance with hand

Hygiene practices remains both a problem and a challenge for IPC practitioners all over the world.

The under-5 mortality rate in Uganda is 55 per 1,000 population.

But the death-causing diseases is preventable by correct handwashing.

Since the conflict lasted over 20 years until 2006, building infrastructure such as water supplying facility is a big issue in Uganda.

In such unhygienic conditions, correct handwashing plays an important role to prevent children from diseases.

Learn more about when and how to wash your hands, the importance of using soap and water, and what you can do if soap and clean, running water are not available. Whether you are at home, at work, traveling, or already sick, find out how good hand hygiene can protect you, your family, and others.

Wash Your Hands Often to Stay Healthy

You can help yourself and your loved ones stay healthy by washing your hands often, especially during these key times when you are likely to get and spread germs:

Before, during, and after preparing food

Before eating food

Before and after caring for someone at home who is sick with vomiting or diarrhea

Before and after treating a cut or wound

After using the toilet

After changing diapers or cleaning up a child who has used the toilet

After blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing

After touching an animal, animal feed, or animal waste

After handling pet food or pet treats

After touching garbage

washing hands under faucet

Follow Five Steps to Wash Your Hands the Right Way

Washing your hands is easy, and it’s one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of germs. Clean hands can stop germs from spreading from one person to another and throughout an entire community—from your home and workplace to childcare facilities and hospitals.

Follow these five steps every time.

Wet your hands with clean, running water (warm or cold), turn off the tap, and apply soap.

Lather your hands by rubbing them together with the soap. Lather the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails.

Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds. Need a timer? Hum the “Happy Birthday” song from beginning to end twice.

Rinse your hands well under clean, running water.

Dry your hands using a clean towel or air dry them.

Why? Read the science behind the recommendations.

Use Hand Sanitizer When You Can’t Use Soap and Water

using hand sanitizer

You can use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available.

Washing hands with soap and water is the best way to get rid of germs in most situations. If soap and water are not readily available, you can use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. You can tell if the sanitizer contains at least 60% alcohol by looking at the product label.

Sanitizers can quickly reduce the number of germs on hands in many situations. However,

Sanitizers do not get rid of all types of germs.

Hand sanitizers may not be as effective when hands are visibly dirty or greasy.

Hand sanitizers might not remove harmful chemicals from hands like pesticides and heavy metals. 

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