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INFECTION PREVENTION
Entercoccus and P. aeruginosa, from computer keyboards. Any chemical
used must be allowed to air-dry, which usually takes less than a minute.
Application won't cause functional or cosmetic change, even after 300 applications.3
6. Which of the following increases the risk of your disinfectants' becoming contaminated?
a. diluting
b. using containers that haven't been properly disinfected
c. improper storage
d. all of the above
d. all of the above. The CDC has had reports of contaminated chlorhexidine,
quaternary ammonium compounds, phenolics and pine oil.3 But these reports
have occurred within healthcare facilities, not at the point of production. The
CDC therefore recommends 3 control measures to ensure your
germicides will function as they are meant to:
1. Follow label instructions for dilution precisely — including instructions
to not dilute.
2. Ensure that uncontaminated water is used for diluting, that containers
used for mixing are properly disinfected and that the area used for preparation is clean.
3. Store germicidal solutions according to label instructions (for example, at
the proper temperature, or in a cool, dry place).3
Following these steps should ensure your EPA-registered germicides will
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O U T PAT I E N T S U R G E R Y M A G A Z I N E O N L I N E | O C T O B E R 2012
