Antiseptics and disinfectants

DESCRIPTION

Disinfectants are used to kill micro-organisms on working surfaces and instruments, but cannot be relied on to destroy all micro-organisms.

Antiseptics are used for reducing bacterial load on skin and mucous membranes.

Disinfecting surfaces

Guidelines for the use of disinfectants

  • Cleansing (removal of visible soiling) is the first and most important step in chemical disinfection.
  • The disinfectant fluid must entirely cover the object and penetrate all crevices.
  • Use the recommended strengths for specific purposes.
  • Disinfectants cannot sterilise surgical instruments.
  • No chemical agent acts immediately; note the recommended exposure time.
  • Equipment must be rinsed with sterile water after immersion in a chemical disinfectant e.g. chlorhexidine solution, 0.5% in 70% alcohol.
  • Avoid recontamination at this stage.
  • Make sure that the rinsing water and all other apparatus are sterile.
  • Equipment must not be stored in chemical disinfectants.
  • The best disinfectant for killing HIV and other pathogens is a chlorinated solution such as bleach or hypochlorite:
    • Solutions must be freshly prepared.
    • Discard after 24 hours to disinfect properly.
    • Do not use on the skin.

Intact skin

  • Use alcohol swabs to clean skin surface before injections are administered.
  • Use antiseptics like povidone iodine or chlorhexidine for surgical scrubbing.

Wounds and mucous membranes

  • Use chlorhexidine 0.05% aqueous solution to clean dirty wounds.
  • Use sodium chloride 0.9% and sterile water on clean wounds.
Disinfectant Indications Directions for application
Chlorhexidine solution:
  • 0.05% aqueous solution.

  • 0.5% in 70% alcohol.
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  • Cleaning dirty wounds.

  • Skin disinfection before surgery.
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  • Remove all dirt, pus and blood before use.

  • Clean dirty wounds with 0.05% aqueous solution.

  • Do not use for normal cleaning.

  • Use the correct concentration for a specific purpose.
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    Povidone iodine:
  • solution 10%.

  • ointment 10%.

  • cream 5%.
    		•
  • Skin and wound infections Contraindication: iodine allergy.
    		•
  • Use ointment for skin infection.

  • Use solution for cleaning skin and wounds.

  • Avoid using on large wounds because of danger of iodine absorption.
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    Articles and instruments

    Adhere to the appropriate cleansing and disinfection policy.