Medium and high level disinfection

For low and medium level disinfections the following products can be used:

• alcohols, such as ethyl or isopropyl alcohol, in concentrations ranging from 60% to 75%, effective for the disinfection of surfaces, worktops, ECG monitors, peristaltic pumps, clinical thermometers, etc. It is a product that should not be diluted, but should be applied as it is with a cloth, left to act and dried if necessary. It should not be rinsed with water. Toxicological characteristic: irritating and dehydrating;
• halogenated compounds such as phenol or 5% sodium hypochlorite (known as amuchina). Generally used in concentrations greater than or equal to 1,000 ppm (parts per million) mostly for the disinfection of environments, but also of thermometers, thermostatic cradles and incubators, laryngoscopes, etc. Sodium hypochlorite at 2% instead to disinfect objects belonging to newborns. Toxicological characteristic: corrosive and irritating.

For high-level disinfections (professional help!), among others, the following are being used:

• agents belonging to the category of aldehydes, such as 2% glutaraldehyde, which appears as a colorless or                  yellowish liquid with a very strong odor. It is used to disinfect medical and surgical instruments that cannot be autoclaved or sterilized with ethylene oxide (irritant, sensitizer and carcinogen) such as probes, masks, hemodialysis equipment, etc. It is not suitable for surfaces and countertops. Toxicological characteristic: irritating and sensitizing;

• peracetic acid, which at low concentrations can be used by directly immersing the instrumentation in a sterile container. At 35%, on the other hand, it is used thanks to a device that automatically manages the various disinfection phases. This method is usually used to treat materials such as endoscopes, bronchoscopes, etc. It is one of the most active disinfectants against E. Coli, Staphilococcs, Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Toxicological characteristic: corrosive and irritant.