WHAT DOES DISINFECTION MEAN?
Disinfection is defined as the killing of pathogens.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN DISINFECTION AND STERILIZATION?
Disinfection reduces the number of pathogenic germs so that the object no longer poses a risk of infection.
Sterilization means free from germs capable of reproducing: bacteria, fungi, spores, viruses
HOW DO DISINFECTANTS WORK?
Disinfectants have a denaturing effect, ie they change the protein-containing structures of the microorganisms and thus destroy them. Some disinfectants also damage the lipid membranes (e.g. the envelope of the viruses). This is triggered by specific ingredients.
WHAT DISINFECTANTS ARE THERE?
A distinction is made between means for skin disinfection , surface disinfection and drinking water disinfection. Instrument disinfectants are also available in hospitals. The composition depends on the area of application and activity.
ARE THERE DIFFERENT HAND DISINFECTANTS?
Hand disinfectants are mostly based on highly concentrated alcohols and work very quickly.
One differentiates:
hygienic hand disinfectant
- they eliminate the foreign pathogens and reduce the number of the skin's own pathogens
Use (five-moment concept)
- before patient contact
- before aseptic activities
- after contact with potentially infectious materials
- after patient contact
- after contact with surfaces in the immediate vicinity of the patient.
surgical hand disinfectant
- extensive elimination of the skin's own pathogens, which are present in decreasing numbers in the cornea up to the stratum lucidum, whereby sweat and sebum glands are normally almost sterile.
Commitment:
- before surgical interventions
WHAT DO YOU HAVE TO CONSIDER WHEN USING HAND DISINFECTANTS?
- Never use hand sanitizer on wet hands.
- In order to minimize the effects of hand washing and disinfecting on the skin, it is important to ensure adequate skin care routine. However, good hand disinfectants also have moisturizing ingredients that also care for the hands.
WHAT DOES VIRUCIDAL MEAN - LIMITED VIRUCIDAL?
- virucidal works against non-enveloped viruses such as HAV or noroviruses
- limited virucidal can inactivate enveloped viruses, e.g. B. HBV, HIV or influenza viruses
- With regard to the novel COVID-19 virus, the RKI recommends using a disinfectant that has at least a "limited virucidal effect"
ARE THE INGREDIENTS HARMFUL TO THE SKIN?
Appropriate hand disinfection does not permanently damage the skin flora.
Only a relatively small number of skin flora microbes are killed.
The locally decimated skin flora soon regenerates.
However, the combination of excessive washing with soap before hand disinfection and the disinfection itself can permanently damage the skin flora, since a large part of the skin flora settles in the fatty sebum of the hair follicles (hair follicles).
To avoid incompatibilities, the products should be free from coloring and odorous substances. In addition, skin care products should be used regularly.
HOW DO YOU RECOGNIZE A GOOD DISINFECTANT?
- An important quality feature for effective disinfectants is the note "VAH-certified" or "VAH-listed"
- short exposure times and quick drying
- Since disinfectants also have a limited shelf life, the best before date should be observed.
- The reference to aldehyde-free means less odor nuisance.
HOW DO YOU KNOW IF THE DISINFECTANT HAS BEEN TESTED?
You can use disinfectant lists for this.
The VAH list (Association for Applied Hygiene eV) and possibly the RKI list are particularly important in everyday life.
https://vah-online.de/de/vah-liste
WHAT SHOULD BE CONSIDERED WHEN USING SURFACE DISINFECTANTS?
- In principle, the manufacturer's instructions and instructions for use must be strictly observed.
- The surface to be disinfected must be kept moist with disinfectant for the duration of the exposure.
- Do not wipe dry!
- Do not use on damp or wet surfaces!
- Electrical devices must be de-energized beforehand!
HOW LONG CAN A HAND DISINFECTANT LAST?
The best before date in the unopened state can be found on the respective packaging. After opening, the disinfectant can usually be used for up to 12 months. In disinfectant dispensers, this period varies between 6 and 12 months.
WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF A SURFACE DISINFECTANT WITH FOAM?
Foam has a significantly greater adhesive capacity, which means that it drains off less quickly, which makes foam also suitable for cleaning or disinfecting vertical surfaces.
In addition, foam prevents aerosols from being inhaled.
WHICH DISINFECTANTS ARE SUITABLE FOR CORONAVIRUSES?
The RKI declares that disinfectants with proven effectiveness , with the range of action "limited virucidal" (effective against enveloped viruses) are to be used.
Agents with an extended effective range against viruses such as "limited virucidal PLUS" or "virucidal" can also be used.
With disinfection you can significantly reduce the germ concentration, but you will not achieve complete sterility. The aim is that there is no longer any risk of infection from the disinfected surface.
CAN YOU ALSO USE A SURFACE DISINFECTANT FOR HANDS AND VICE VERSA?
Disinfectants for surfaces are rather skin-unfriendly for reasons of effectiveness, because they lack moisturizing and nourishing substances.
In contrast, it is precisely these lipid-replenishing substances that influence the efficiency of disinfection on surfaces. In addition, the manufacturers are only liable in the event of damage if the disinfectant is used as intended.