Disinfectant Cleaners and Solutions - Prevent Microbial Cross-Contamination

Disinfection and sterilization of patient-care equipment is essential to control infection in hospitals, medical offices and clinical laboratories. Disinfectants and cleaning solutions are used in healthcare settings to destroy the growth of microbes on surfaces. Invisible, difficult-to-kill bacteria are a major cause of dangerous infections. These germs survive on surfaces such as instruments, counters, holders, gloves and protective masks or shields and directly touching these contaminated surfaces can create infections.

In most cases, transfer of micro-organisms from contaminated environmental surfaces to patients occurs due to hand contact. It is important to clean and sanitize surfaces on regular basis to reduce the survival of germs. Disinfectants therefore play an important role in protecting and controlling hospital acquired infections (HAIs) thereby helping in rigorous cleaning.

There are various types of disinfectants in the market and it’s important for clinical laboratories to purchase quality products. It’s important to note that the efficacy of these products depends on their proper use.

Effective and Safe Disinfectants for Laboratories

Some of the main factors governing the choice of disinfectants are the number and types of microbes to be destroyed, toxicity, contact time required for disinfection, pH, temperature and presence of organic matter. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-approved disinfectants are recommended for use in laboratories. Multi-purpose disinfectants such as CaviWipes from Metrex are ideal for disinfecting surfaces across all the susceptible touch points in the care facilities. Another Metrex product, Cavicide spray destroys TB, HBV, and HCV viruses. Here are some details about these products:

XL CaviWipes, 45 Wipes, 12 canisters/cs – This is a convenient, ready to use intermediate-level disinfecting wipe available in two sizes. It is highly effective against TB, HBV, and HIV viruses. Sturdy and durable, this nonwoven towelette will not bunch up or tear during use. Towels stay fully saturated and will not dry out during use.

CaviCide 55 Gallon – This ready-to-use, intermediate-level disinfectant can kill TB bacteria in 3 minutes and HBV, HCV, and HIV viruses in 2 minutes. It is nontoxic and nonirritating and can be used on nonporous surfaces.

CaviCide 2 oz w/sprayer, 48/cs – This is an intermediate-level product that is perfect for use on nonporous surfaces. It kills TB bacteria in 3 minutes and HBV, HCV, and HIV viruses in 2 minutes

When purchasing disinfectants and cleaning solutions, it is important to check whether the product label has the environmental protection agency (EPA) registration number. It is essential to check out the products’ cleaning and disinfecting properties as well as compatibility with surfaces and conditions of use. Importantly, the product should include clear and easy-to-follow instructions.

Block Scientific, a leading laboratory equipment supplier in New York, offers a range of new and used lab equipment from industry leading manufacturers.