School Infection Control Handbook - 2010

Chapter 4: Selection of Products, Dispensing Equipment, and Application Systems

Chapter 4.G. Selecting a Disinfectant Application System

Introduction Several application options are available for disinfecting surfaces or objects. The following chart provides a comparison of the options and the criteria used to evaluate those options. Some criteria have to do with reducing exposure to the employee and building occupants; other criteria have to do with maintaining the efficacy of the disinfectant. Although some options are more preferable for reasons of health and efficacy, they are not always available. The chart is therefore designed help identify ways to meet the need for disinfection in a variety of settings. It should be noted that research has found that microfiber has superior infection-control properties. Discussion continues on what impact the quality of microfiber has on the ability to retain this superiority as the cloths or mops are washed and reused.

Reusable Cotton Cloths

Disposable Cotton or Paper Towels Significantly less than microfiber

Presaturated Wipes for Surfaces

Conventional Mop and Bucket Captured 30% of microbes in a hospital setting study 1

Microfiber Mop Pads and Bucket

Reusable Microfiber Cloths Superior – Its small fibers enable it to penetrate cracks that cotton cloths or paper towels cannot Increased fiber surface area and static electric charge enable it to attract, capture, and hold particulates better than other alternatives 2 The type of microfiber affects efficacy Superior according to most research

Criteria

Effectiveness at Capturing and

Superior – captured 99% microbes in a hospital setting study 1 The type of microfiber may See Chapter 6.C. Using Microfiber Cloths and Mops for Infection Control for more information determine its effectiveness

Significantly less than microfiber

Significantly less than microfiber

Removing Microbes

Efficacy (a measure of how well products killed or removed microbes)

Depends on saturation of wipe and ability to stay wet on the surface Solution remains stable in the presence of the wipe material

99% in a hospital- setting study 1

Good

Less capable of capturing microbes than microfiber or cotton

30% in a hospital- setting study 1 Solution must be changed regularly to maintain efficacy

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