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2007 Disinfection Guidelines (97 kB) |
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Case Studies in Infection
Training in Infection Control
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Page updated 30 April 2007
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Cleaning is the key to disinfection Clean using detergents in the first instance Chemical disinfection is rarely needed in hospitals Single use devices must never be reprocessed or re-used |
Disinfectants and antiseptics are expensive and often ineffective so they tend to be used excessively and ineffectually. The most effective means of disinfection, that is the reduction of microbial contamination, is thorough cleaning. Chemical disinfectants are ineffective in the presence of dirt. They may be inactivated by dirt, biological fluids or by rubber. They may destroy certain substances, particularly rubber and metal. Antiseptics may reduce bacterial counts on the surface of the skin or a wound but rarely enhance and more likely will interfere with healing.
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A protocol for the local decontamination of surgical instruments. NHS Estates, London
Variant Creutzfeld Jakob disease (vCJD): minimizing the risk of transmission. 1999 HSC 1999/178
Controls assurance in infection control: decontamination of medical devices. 1999 HSC 1999/179
Decontamination of medical devices. 2000 HSC 2000/32
Medical Devices Directive. 1993 93/42/EEC Annex 1 ER 13.6,h
NHS Estates, Department of Health. A protocol for the local decontamination of surgical instruments. 2001
Consumer Protection Act. 1987 (6)
Sterilizers HTM 2010
Washer-disinfectors HTM2030
Use of spirit-based solutions during surgical procedures requiring the use of electrosurgical equipment. Medical Devices Agency MDA SN 2000/17
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Instruments and appliances used in the vagina and cervix: recommended methods of disinfection. Safety Action Bulletin 94/22. 1994 Department of Health, London
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