Experts Issue Reminders on Proper Usage of Wipes to Reduce Cross-Contamination

“The primary purpose of a wipe should be its ability to remove a microbial burden from a surface,” Maillard says. “If the wipe is then discarded after ‘one usage’ and ‘one direction’ as we are recommending, then its ability to kill microorganisms might not be essential. Staff needs to be made aware to use a wipe only once and in only one direction. Manufacturers do not necessarily provide a protocol on how to use the wipes.”

A review of the proper usage of antimicrobial wipes in the healthcare environment is in order.

“Germicidal wipes should be used once and discarded,” Fleming explains. “Pre-moistened wipes should be applied to the surface and allowed to air dry. Attempting to take a towel to dry a surface that has be wet by a disinfectant to speed up the drying process defeats the efficacy of disinfectant on that surface. Allow the surface to air dry ensures greater contact time for killing pathogens. If gross soil is present i.e. heavy visible soil, blood, body fluids, one wipe should be used to clean and a second wipe to disinfect. The basic principles of disinfection is that soiled items must be cleaned before disinfection can be achieved. If no heavy or visible soil is present, but the item has had contact with patient or contaminated by hands, then using one wipe to clean and disinfect the surface is sufficient. Surfaces should be wiped and allowed to air dry. The friction created by using the wiping action will clean and disinfect. Depending on the size or area of surface to be disinfected, more than one wipe will be needed. The size of the wipe and the wetness of the wipe will determine if more than one wipe is needed.”