In a presentation at the International Conference on Prevention & Infection Control (ICPIC) held in Geneva, Switzerland June 29-July 2, 2011, researchers from Brazil reported on a study in which they sought to compare two disinfectants -- peracetic acid (0.1 percent) and ethyl alcohol (70 percent) -- on surfaces contaminated with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).
The study by Shimura, et al. was a case control study, developed on a flowchart. Six sterile glasses surfaces (40x30cm) were contaminated with a suspension with 104 cfu/ml MRSA by spreading with a sterile spatula and left to dry for 10 minutes. The efficacy of disinfection products were measured by imprinting rodac plates with Trypticase Soy Agar holding for 1 minute against the surface, before and after the disinfection procedure. The glass surface was divided in three parts and each part was cleaned three times. A sterile microfiber cloth (40x38cm) made from 10 percent polyester, 20 percent polypropylene and 70 percent viscose was folded three times, with a total of 16 sides, but using nine sides only; they were moistened with 50ml of 0.1 percent peracetic acid or 70 percent ethyl alcohol to clean three surfaces each. Sterile gloves were used and imprints from both hands were made on rodac plates, holding for 15 seconds. Plates were incubated at 37°C for 48 hours.
The median of surface contamination before and after disinfection with peracetic acid was 3.55 cfu/ml and 0 cfu/ml, for ethyl alcohol, 4.26 cfu/ml and 0 cfu/ml respectively. Imprints of gloves after both disinfections had no growth (0 cfu/ml). The test showed a bacterial load reduction although a non-significant (p>0.05) result comparing solutions.
The researchers conclude that disinfection with peracetic acid or ethyl alcohol with adequate technique had successful bacterial load reduction which contributes to environment control. They add that peracetic acid has a good cost benefit, however the microfiber cloth was degrading after five times of use.
Reference: CN Shimura, D De Andrade, E Watanabe, and AM Ferreira. MRSA on surfaces: is it possible to control? Presentation at International Conference on Prevention & Infection Control (ICPIC). BMC Proceedings 2011, 5(Suppl 6):P307doi:10.1186/1753-6561-5-S6-P307
How Contaminated Is Your Stretcher? The Hidden Risks on Hospital Wheels
July 3rd 2025Despite routine disinfection, hospital surfaces, such as stretchers, remain reservoirs for harmful microbes, according to several recent studies. From high-touch areas to damaged mattresses and the effectiveness of antimicrobial coatings, researchers continue to uncover persistent risks in environmental hygiene, highlighting the critical need for innovative, continuous disinfection strategies in health care settings.
Beyond the Surface: Rethinking Environmental Hygiene Validation at Exchange25
June 30th 2025Environmental hygiene is about more than just shiny surfaces. At Exchange25, infection prevention experts urged the field to look deeper, rethink blame, and validate cleaning efforts across the entire care environment, not just EVS tasks.
Getting Down and Dirty With PPE: Presentations at HSPA by Jill Holdsworth and Katie Belski
June 26th 2025In the heart of the hospital, decontamination technicians tackle one of health care’s dirtiest—and most vital—jobs. At HSPA 2025, 6 packed workshops led by experts Jill Holdsworth and Katie Belski spotlighted the crucial, often-overlooked art of PPE removal. The message was clear: proper doffing saves lives, starting with your own.
Streamlined IFU Access Boosts Infection Control and Staff Efficiency
June 17th 2025A hospital-wide quality improvement project has transformed how staff access critical manufacturer instructions for use (IFUs), improving infection prevention compliance and saving time through a standardized, user-friendly digital system supported by unit-based training and interdepartmental collaboration.
Spring Into Safety: How Seasonal Deep Cleaning Strengthens Hospital Infection Control
June 13th 2025Rooted in ancient rituals of renewal, spring-cleaning has evolved from cultural tradition to a vital infection prevention strategy in modern hospitals—one that blends seasonal deep cleaning with advanced disinfection to reduce pathogens, improve air quality, and protect patients.