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INFECTION PREVENTION
Environmental Protection Agency would clear the CDC's environmental disinfection guidelines only if it included a disclaimer about deviating from EPAapproved contact times.2 As such, there's a disconnect between label instructions and the evidence. Dr. Rutala notes that adhering to a label's prescribed
contact time can require 5 to 6 reapplications during each cleaning; that multiple studies demonstrate efficacy with a contact time of 1 minute; and that thorough application of disinfectant is just as important as contact time.2
"There are no data that demonstrate improved infection prevention by a 10minute contact time versus a 1-minute contact time," he writes, "and we are
not aware of an enforcement action against healthcare facilities for 'off-label'
use of a surface disinfectant."2 A 1-minute contact time is sufficient — but be
sure to stress to your staff that they must be thorough when cleaning.
3. Studies show one of the following combinations is most efficacious for sanitizing
floors. Which is it?
a. microfiber mop alone
b. cotton-loop mop alone
c. cotton-loop mop with disinfectant
d. microfiber mop with disinfectant
d. microfiber mop with disinfectant. The use of a disinfectant with a microfiber
mop has demonstrated 95% microbial elimination.3 However, a microfiber
mop alone is incredibly close behind at 94%.3 Either option is a significant
improvement over a cotton-loop mop alone (68%), although adding disinfec3 2
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
