Infection control is an essential aspect of healthcare, ensuring the safety of both patients and healthcare workers. One of the critical components of infection control is the use of disinfectants to eliminate harmful microorganisms on surfaces, instruments, and equipment. Disinfectants come in various forms, from liquids and sprays to wipes and gels, and are essential in preventing the spread of infections.
Among the most effective disinfectants are high-level disinfectants, which are designed to destroy all types of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi. These disinfectants are used in healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinics, and dental practices, to disinfect medical devices and instruments that are not intended for sterilization. In this article, we will explore high-level disinfectants and disinfectant chemicals and their role in infection control.
What are High-Level Disinfectants?
High-level disinfectants are chemical solutions that are used to destroy all forms of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi. These disinfectants are used in healthcare settings to disinfect medical equipment and instruments that are not intended for sterilization. High-level disinfectants are effective against a broad range of microorganisms, including antibiotic-resistant bacteria, such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).
High-level disinfectants are classified as such because they are capable of destroying all types of microorganisms, including bacterial spores. Bacterial spores are the most resistant form of microorganisms and are often used to test the effectiveness of disinfectants. If a disinfectant is effective against bacterial spores, it is considered a high-level disinfectant.
High-level disinfectants are used in healthcare settings to disinfect medical equipment and instruments that cannot be sterilized, such as endoscopes, bronchoscopes, and surgical instruments. These medical devices and instruments require high-level disinfection because they come into contact with mucous membranes, sterile tissues, or the vascular system. Failure to properly disinfect these devices and instruments can lead to the transmission of infections, such as hepatitis B and C, HIV, and Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease.
Characteristics of High Level Disinfectants
- Broad Spectrum Activity: HLDs are highly effective at killing or eliminating a wide range of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and spores. This broad spectrum activity makes them ideal for use in healthcare settings where there is a high risk of infection.
- Non-Corrosive: HLDs are designed to be non-corrosive and do not damage the materials they come into contact with. This is important when disinfecting medical instruments and other equipment, as it helps to extend the lifespan of the equipment.
- Fast Acting: HLDs work quickly and can achieve high-level disinfection in a matter of minutes. This rapid action is important in healthcare settings where time is of the essence and there is a need to disinfect equipment quickly and efficiently.
- Environmentally Friendly: Many HLDs are biodegradable and do not harm the environment. This is an important consideration for healthcare facilities that want to minimize their impact on the environment and reduce their carbon footprint.
- Compatibility: HLDs are designed to be compatible with a wide range of materials and surfaces, including metals, plastics, and glass. This makes them suitable for use on a wide range of medical instruments and other equipment.
- Residual Effect: Some HLDs have a residual effect, which means that they continue to provide protection against microorganisms even after they have been applied. This is important in healthcare settings where there is a high risk of infection and where equipment may not be used immediately after disinfection.
Types of High-Level Disinfectants
There are various types of high-level disinfectants, each with its unique chemical composition and mode of action. The most common types of high-level disinfectants used in healthcare settings include:
Glutaraldehyde: Glutaraldehyde is a chemical disinfectant that is effective against all types of microorganisms, including bacterial spores. It is commonly used to disinfect medical equipment and instruments, including endoscopes, bronchoscopes, and surgical instruments. Glutaraldehyde is a liquid disinfectant that requires a contact time of 20 minutes to achieve high-level disinfection.
Hydrogen peroxide: Hydrogen peroxide is a chemical disinfectant that is effective against bacteria, viruses, and fungi. It is commonly used to disinfect medical equipment and surfaces. Hydrogen peroxide is available in various forms, including liquids, sprays, and wipes. It requires a contact time of 30 minutes to achieve high-level disinfection.
Peracetic acid: Peracetic acid is a chemical disinfectant that is effective against all types of microorganisms, including bacterial spores. It is commonly used to disinfect medical equipment and instruments, including endoscopes, bronchoscopes, and surgical instruments. Peracetic acid is a liquid disinfectant that requires a contact time of 20 minutes to achieve high-level disinfection.
Ortho-phthalaldehyde (OPA): OPA is a chemical disinfectant that is effective against all types of microorganisms, including bacterial spores. It is commonly used to disinfect medical equipment and instruments, including endoscopes and other medical devices. OPA is a liquid disinfectant that requires a contact time of 12 minutes to achieve high-level disinfection.
Chlorine dioxide: Chlorine dioxide is a chemical disinfectant that is effective against bacteria, viruses, and fungi. It is commonly used to disinfect surfaces and medical equipment, including endoscopes and other medical devices. Chlorine dioxide is available in various forms, including liquids and wipes. It requires a contact time of 5 minutes to achieve high-level disinfection.
Conclusion
High-level disinfectants play a critical role in infection control in healthcare settings. They are designed to destroy all types of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi, and are essential in preventing the spread of infections. Glutaraldehyde, hydrogen peroxide, peracetic acid, OPA, and chlorine dioxide are among the most common high-level disinfectants used in healthcare settings.
It is important to note that high-level disinfectants should be used in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and guidelines. Failure to use these disinfectants properly can lead to inadequate disinfection and the transmission of infections. Healthcare workers should be properly trained in the use of high-level disinfectants and follow proper infection control practices to ensure the safety of patients and themselves.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How do high-level disinfectants work?
High-level disinfectants work by disrupting the cell membranes and metabolic processes of microorganisms, ultimately leading to their destruction.
Can high-level disinfectants be used on all types of surfaces?
No, not all types of surfaces can be disinfected with high-level disinfectants. These disinfectants are typically used on medical equipment and instruments, and may not be suitable for use on other surfaces.
Are high-level disinfectants safe for use on humans?
High-level disinfectants are designed to be used on medical equipment and instruments, and may not be safe for use on humans. It is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and guidelines when using these disinfectants to ensure safety.
How long does it take for high-level disinfectants to work?
The contact time for high-level disinfectants varies depending on the specific disinfectant being used. Glutaraldehyde, for example, requires a contact time of 20-30 minutes to achieve high-level disinfection, while OPA requires a contact time of 12 minutes.
What are some precautions that should be taken when using high-level disinfectants?
It is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and guidelines when using high-level disinfectants, and to wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves, gowns, and masks. These disinfectants should be used in a well-ventilated area, and should be stored and disposed of properly.
What is the difference between high-level disinfectants and sterilization?
High-level disinfectants are designed to destroy all types of microorganisms, but may not necessarily eliminate bacterial spores. Sterilization, on the other hand, is a process that eliminates all forms of microbial life, including bacterial spores.
How can I ensure that high-level disinfectants are being used properly in my healthcare facility?
Healthcare facilities should have policies and procedures in place for the proper use of high-level disinfectants, and staff should be properly trained on these policies and procedures. Regular monitoring and auditing can also help to ensure that high-level disinfectants are being used properly and effectively.
