Microbial contamination of antiseptics and disinfectants.
OBJECTIVE
To study the bacterial contamination of antiseptics and disinfections in-use and the risk factors for contamination.


METHODS
Bacterial contamination of antiseptics and disinfectants was done by culturing in-use solutions. Eight commonly used solutions were studied: alcohol 70%, chlorhexidine 4%, and 0.5%, povidone iodine 7.5% and 10%, tincture iodine 1-2%, lysol 2% and sodium hypochlorite 0.5%.


RESULTS
The following risk factors for contamination were found : preparation by unskilled personnel, improper containers and prolonged use. Contamination with bacteria were found in 1.8% of 16,142 samples tested Highest rate of contamination was found in Lysol 2%. There was no contamination of povidone iodine 10% and tincture iodine 1-2%. Bacterial contamination of antiseptics and disinfectants was highest in provincial hospitals and was not found in university hospitals. The rates of contamination correlated with the duration of use. Most bacteria isolated were those found in the environment.


CONCLUSIONS
The contamination of in-use antiseptics and disinfectants was as high as 1.8%. Risk factors for contamination were improper preparation and prolonged use.
Danchaivijitr
Somwang
S
Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bankok. sisdc@mahidol.ac.th
Dhiraputra
Chertsak
C
Rongrungruang
Yong
Y
Srihapol
Nitaya
N
Pumsuwan
Varaporn
V
D000891:Anti-Infective Agents, Local / Q000032:analysis / Q000592:standards*; D000985:Antisepsis; D004202:Disinfectants / Q000032:analysis / Q000592:standards*; D004203:Disinfection; D004339:Drug Compounding; D004340:Drug Contamination / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D004349:Drug Packaging / Q000592:standards*; D004866:Equipment Contamination / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D019538:Health Care Surveys; D006801:Humans; D017053:Infection Control; D010607:Pharmacy Service, Hospital / Q000592:standards*; D010865:Pilot Projects; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012307:Risk Factors; D012996:Solutions / Q000032:analysis / Q000592:standards*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013785:Thailand
D000891:Anti-Infective Agents, Local; D004202:Disinfectants; D012996:Solutions