Main Categories of Medical Office Disinfectants
When it comes to cleaning, you should not skimp on certain areas, such as medical spaces. As a facility manager, keeping the medical offices in your building clean and sanitised is critical to preventing adverse health issues. Besides, it nourishes trust between a physician and patients. It is for this reason that disinfectants are arguably the most crucial cleaning supplies for medical facilities. This article highlights the three main categories of disinfectants that professional cleaning services use in medical premises.
Sterilants and High-Level Disinfectants
Disinfectants in this category are considered the most potent due to their extreme reactivity. The cleaning agents exert bactericidal, tuberculocidal, fungicidal, virucidal, and sporicidal effects on hazardous micro-organisms when activated. High-level disinfectants are typically used on critical medical spaces, such as labs, operating rooms, and equipment like endoscopes, which require a high-level of disinfection.
Notably, some high-level disinfectants must be monitored carefully for a safe working environment since they contain dangerous ingredients, leading to health issues on exposure. Therefore, medical facility cleaners must wear approved personal protective equipment when working with high-level sterilants. However, some high-level disinfectants, such as hydrogen peroxide and peracetic acid, are considered safer options. In addition, most high-level disinfectants are sold in an aqueous or water-based state for efficient cross-linking properties with germs.
Intermediate-Level Disinfectants
These disinfectants are primarily used on semi-critical equipment and spaces in a medical facility. Although the rooms and equipment can also harbour dangerous micro-organisms, the risk of contact is lower than in critical areas. For instance, chances of direct contact or exposure to viruses, bacteria, or fungi in the triage room are low. It is because semi-critical spaces like a triage room rarely deal with fluids. However, since patients share assessment equipment, such as blood pressure monitors and thermometers, intermediate-level disinfectants are necessary. Some of the most effective intermediate-level disinfectants that cleaning services use include Iodophors and sodium hypochlorite.
Low-Level Disinfectant
The reactivity levels of these disinfectants are inferior to high-level and intermediate disinfectants. However, they are still potent enough to disinfect non-critical items and surfaces that patients, staffers, and physicians come into contact with. An excellent example is a reception or a waiting area, a physician's office, and an examination room. Commonly used low-level disinfectants contain quaternary ammonium compounds (quats). Typically, low-level disinfectants are used to kill fungi, mould, different microbes, and most viruses. For instance, medical-grade disinfectant wipes are an excellent example of low-level disinfectants mainly used to disinfect seats, tables, doorknobs, and medical examination equipment.
Reach out to a local supplier if you need cleaning supplies.
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