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

It is essential for HCWs to realize that there is a point at which wipes become ineffective, and that they must follow the manufacturers’ recommendations for proper contact time for surface wipes and when to use a new wipe.

“The antimicrobials contained within a wipe are usually at a low concentration and their antimicrobial effect will be limited,” Maillard says. “We demonstrated that when the number of bacteria on a surface is high, the wipes were unable to kill all the microorganisms removed from the surface.”

Fleming points out that the Cardiff study was a European study using a grapefruit extract-containing test wipe and unmedicated control wipes. “It is important to note that in the U.S., per CDC guidelines and OSHA regulations, healthcare facilities must use Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-registered hospital disinfectants,” she emphasizes. “To receive EPA-registration, manufacturers must prove efficacy ‘kill’ claims against significant microorganisms and each claim is reviewed and validated by the EPA. Kill claims is defined when a disinfectant product is tested to have 100 percent efficacy against a specific organism at a determined contact time. Contact time is the time needed for germicide solution to remain wet on the surface to achieve disinfection of the stated kill claim(s) on the manufacturer’s label. The proper ‘overall’ contact time for surface wipes is indicated on the product label as required by the EPA. The overall contact time is the highest kill time for the microorganisms tested. The technical data bulletins provided by manufacturers will outline contact time for different pathogens. It is always important for clinicians to review technical data bulletins before choosing a disinfectant and look at the contact times for pathogens of concern for their healthcare environment. Staff should be made aware of the overall contact times for surface wipes and directions for use which are listed on the product label. As previously mentioned, pre-moistened wipes must be used once and discarded. One wipe should not be used repeatedly for multiple surfaces, as this can lead to the tendency for wipes to lose moisture and thus be ineffective.”