School Infection Control Handbook - 2010

Chapter 3: Development of Protocols

x Two-step cleaner/disinfectants are not “effective in the presence of 5% body fluids” and must be labeled and used only as a two-step process—that is, the product must be used twice, once to clean and once to disinfect. ƒ All other disinfectants require that surfaces be precleaned using a detergent (an all- purpose cleaner) until they are free of dirt, grease, oil, and organic substances such as blood. Detergents disperse and remove organic materials and dirt from surfaces, reducing surface tension while increasing the penetrating ability of water. Proper cleaning with high-quality microfiber and a detergent will remove up to 99% or more of infectious material and render the surface visibly clean. ƒ Because the cleaning step does not require a disinfectant, it is recommended to use two different products (one to clean and one to disinfect) to reduce the amount of toxic disinfectant used. Š How will the use of microfiber assist in the disinfection process? ƒ High-quality microfiber cloths and mop heads serve several roles in preparing a surface to be disinfected. In addition to soaking up moisture and removing the nutrients that microbes need to survive, high-quality microfiber with dense fibers can remove microbes and bacterial spores. 1 (See also Chapter 6.C. Using Microfiber Cloths and Mops for Infection Control .) _____________________________________________________________________________________________ References 1. J. Darrel Hicks, Infection Control for Dummies. Westerville, Ohio: International Executive Housekeepers Association, 2008. 2. A. Rathey, “What Germs Are We Killing? Testing and Classifying Disinfectants.” The Housekeeping Channel. Available at: http://www.housekeepingchannel.com/a_253- What_Germs_Are_We_Killing_Testing_and_Classifying_Disinfectants.

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