2 4 S U P P L E M E N T T O O U T P A T I E N T S U R G E R Y M A G A Z I N E M A Y 2 0 1 5
d. both a and b
Answer: d
Disinfectant
wipes can be a
great and con-
venient way to
clean surfaces in
the OR, but they
must be used
carefully. When used improperly, impregnated wipes can cross-contaminate sur-
faces and potentially spread microorganisms.
To eliminate that risk, make sure you use each wipe — and each side of the
wipe — only once before you dispose of it. Disinfectant wipes tend to be best
for smaller surface areas. Don't forget to close the container's cap completely,
so the wipes don't dry out.
8. Products with a 10-minute dry time are more effective than those with a 1-minute dry
time.
a. true
b. false
Answer: b
One of the biggest problems during surface cleaning is that often the contact
time specified by the label is too long for facilities to follow in actual practice.
Several products registered by the EPA require a contact time of 10 minutes,
which is a while if you're searching for speedy room turnovers.
The good news is that new EPA-approved disinfectants have a contact
z
QUICK WIPE
Newer
disinfectants have shorter dry
times, which let you turn over rooms quickly and safely.
Pamela
Bevelhymer,
RN,
BSN
