A Primer on Disinfectants and Boosting Efficacy

Article

This report presents a review of the basics relating to disinfectants and how to ensure their proper and optimal use in healthcare institutions as part of a structured program to address healthcare-associated infections.

Issue Summary

This report presents a review of the basics relating to disinfectants and how to ensure their proper and optimal use in healthcare institutions as part of a structured program to address healthcare-associated infections.

Editor's Take

It's as important to consider the factors that affect disinfectant effectiveness as it is to understand how disinfectants work against a variety of pathogenic organisms. This report explores the basics regarding mechanisms of action, special cleaning and disinfection situations, and microbial contamination of disinfectants.

Takeaways for Your Business

  • Review what disinfectants are and what they are designed to do
  • Explore the many factors that influence disinfectant efficacy
  • Learn how to boost effectiveness of cleaning chemistries and avoid contamination
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Cleaning and sanitizing surfaces in hospitals  (Adobe Stock 339297096 by Melinda Nagy)
Set of white bottles with cleaning liquids on the white background. (Adobe Stock 6338071172112 by zolnierek)
Association for the Health Care Environment (Logo used with permission)
Woman lying in hospital bed (Adobe Stock, unknown)
Photo of a model operating room. (Photo courtesy of Indigo-Clean and Kenall Manufacturing)
Mona Shah, MPH, CIC, FAPIC, Construction infection preventionist  (Photo courtesy of Mona Shah)
UV-C Robots by OhmniLabs.  (Photo from OhmniLabs website.)
CDC  (Adobe Stock, unknown)
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