that shows this can be avoided as long as a double-wipe technique is used and the disinfectant remains in contact with all surfaces for one minute . This is because the first wipe cleans the surface and physically removes contaminants and organic matter that can interfere with the antimicrobial activity of disinfectants . The second stage of the process ensures that pathogens are effectively removed from all surface areas .
You could argue , why use products that are alcohol based in the first place ? The answer is that wipes containing ethanol are rapidly bactericidal , and are therefore extremely effective in eliminating microbial contamination . One company that offers wipes impregnated with both a cleaning and disinfecting solution plus ethanol is Eschmann . These essential single-use wipes have microbiological properties active against HIV-1 after one minute and HBV after 15 minutes .
HOW MANY WIPES ? For best results and to ensure wipes remain effective , you must ensure that you use the appropriate amount of wipes per surface area as recommended by the manufacturer . If the surface area is large and / or highly contaminated , more than one will be necessary . Larger wipes are another option , but again , only use them in adherence with company guidelines .
You should also make sure that containers are closed tightly at all times to prevent the wipes from drying out – using Eschmann Essential Surface Wipes , which are available in a specially designed , easy to use re-sealable tub can help with this .
Another tip is to turn the container upside down at frequent intervals – this ensures that the solution is evenly distributed amongst all the wipes . Furthermore , all team members must remember to pour any remaining solution away once the tub is empty before refilling , or it could impact on the balance of the concentration .
If your surfaces could talk , what would they say ? To ensure that they have nothing to hide , implement appropriate , proven and effective infection control practices .
For your free Essential Wipes sample or for more information about Eschmann and their comprehensive range of high performance cleaning and disinfection consumables visit www . eschmann-essential . co . uk
REFERENCES : Health Technical Memorandum 01-05 : Decontamination in primary care dental practices . Accessed online October 2016 at https :// www . gov . uk / government / uploads / system / uploads / attachment _ data / file / 170689 / HTM _ 01-05 _ 2013 . pdf Wipe it out – one chance to get it right . The selection and use of disinfectant wipes . RCN Guidance . Accessed online October 2016 at http :// www . rcn . org . uk /__ data / assets / pdf _ file / 0007 / 394567 / 003876 . pdf
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