Surface

Gebel J, Hornei B, Vacata V, Dietlein E, Exner M.
New perceptions and evaluation of the properties of surface cleaning and disinfection procedures.
Hyg med 2004; 29 (9):327-333.

Summary

Over the past years, there were a number of new perceptions on important parameters for the application of cleaning and disinfection procedures. These parameters comprise persistency of pathogens, transfer of pathogenic microorganisms from unenlivened surfaces to persons and the risk of a microbial contamination and spreading into the environment through cleaning procedures. In addition, experimental data on the interruption of infection chains after using disinfectants as well as important results of outbreak investigations have been published. Therefore, it became necessary to reassess the potential advantages of using disinfectants for preventing and controlling nosocomial infections. Based on the new perceptions and in consideration of the increase in nosocomial infections and antibiotic resistances, the Robert Koch-Institute (RKI) issued a completely revised recommendation on “Cleaning and Disinfection of Surfaces”.

Taking this ‘guideline’ into account, the authors from the Institute for Hygiene and Public Health at the University of Bonn developed a new test method, which, under practical conditions, allows the comparison of disinfection and cleaning procedure efficacies in terms of microorganism reduction and the risk of microorganisms spreading in the environment. This test considers the influence of cleaning method (e.g. single-mop-procedure), mop materials (various textiles) and different ingredients (disinfectant, cleaner). Under given test conditions, it was determined that the use of aldehydes and peroxides can prevent a spread of microorganisms into the environment. Reduction factors amounted to >5 log10 steps. By contrast, a spreading of microorganisms into the environment was proven when water, tensides or disinfectants on basis of glycol derivates/quaternary compounds or alkylamine derivates were used. Reproduction factors were significantly lower.

A new combination of mop utensils, cleaner, disinfectant and amount of liquid also requires a total evaluation of the respective combination’s efficacy. This efficacy survey should be documented.