
- Disinfection means and methods
- Physical means
- Mechanical method
- Biological method
- Chemical disinfection methods
Disinfection is the destruction of various microorganisms in the environment. Means for disinfection - these are the drugs by which simultaneously clean and disinfect different rooms, objects, things of daily use. Disinfection is carried out in dental offices, hospitals, non-residential premises( warehouses, cellars), as well as in baths and kitchens for the destruction of pathogens. In time, the measures taken make it possible to improve the conditions of human habitation, prevent various diseases and, in general, improve comfort when in the room.
to the table of contents ↑Disinfection products and methods
Disinfection is divided into 2 types:
- Focal;
- Proactive.
Focal disinfection - features of
Focal disinfection is performed directly in the place of infection. Can be carried out in the current order or as the final stage of prevention. The specific features of each method are as follows:
- Final - includes a set of activities carried out directly in the outbreak of an infectious disease for the purpose of decontamination. In this case, once used special means for disinfection, intended for use after removal of the source of infection from the source( when discharging the patient or his hospitalization, etc.).
Important! The final disinfection is the responsibility of the workers of each medical institution, as well as the specialists of the disinfestations.
- Ongoing disinfection - systematic precautions in infectious disease treatment facilities. The main goal is the destruction, as well as the prevention of the dispersion of any microorganisms.
Important! For the current disinfection, employees of medical and preventive institutions are responsible.
Preventive disinfection - features of
Preventive disinfection is performed in the absence of infectious diseases. The main objects of these events are:
- Catering facilities.
- Industrial enterprises
- Hotels.
- Schools.
- Dormitories.
- Stations.
There are several basic methods by which you can perform disinfection of an object:
- Physical.
- Mechanical.
- Biological.
- Chemical.
- Combined.
Important! In each individual case, various disinfection preparations are used, based on the type of room, the available equipment and the intended purpose of the treatment.
to Contents ↑Physical Facilities
Physical disinfectants are considered to be the least dangerous, although if incorrectly applied, they can still produce an adverse effect on human health.
Ultraviolet
A natural means of disinfection is a sunny color, and from artificial - mercury gas-light lamps. Direct sunlight has a harmful effect on microbes.
Important! Especially sensitive to radiant energy are spore forms of pathogens, for example, spores of anthrax when exposed to the sun, die after 60 days.
To use the disinfecting action of the sun: the windows and doors of the premises are kept open, and the infected objects are exposed to direct sunlight.
Important! The sun's rays are capable of decontaminating only the surface of the objects themselves, but do not penetrate them. At the same time, scattered light acts much weaker, for example, in the shade microbes can live quite a long time. Therefore, for the disinfection of premises, sources of artificial UV radiation, irradiators, bactericidal lamps are more often used.
Drying
Many non-spore forms of microorganisms die very quickly when dried. Given this impact, the following measures are taken:
- contaminated rooms for cleaning should be regularly and thoroughly ventilated;
- in the animal rooms cover the moisture-absorbing litter in the form of sawdust of peat and other materials, and also regularly carry out ventilation.
High temperature action
This method is used for decontamination and includes it:
- Dry heat. Infected clothes are hung in hotly heated banya. These can be dressing gowns and other items from tissues that come in contact with infected patients. The heating lasts for several hours, while maintaining a stable temperature of 80-90 C. This means for disinfection kills all, without exception, non-spore forms of microorganisms.
Important! The action of dry steam can be strengthened with water vapor, as is usually done in any bath.
- Ironing. A well-heated iron must be ironed all contaminated tissues( bathrobes, towels, clothes, etc.).This method is most often used as the easiest means for disinfection at home.
- Boiling water. Boiling water destroys both non-spore and spore organisms( coagulates protoplasm).It all depends on the duration of the boil. Due to its simplicity, this method is widely used for disinfecting work clothes, utensils and tools.
Important! Most of the vegetative forms of viruses and bacteria die during boiling in the period up to 15-30 minutes, to destroy spore germs requires a little more - 1,5-2 hours.
- Water steam. This method is used in an autoclave for sterilization. It is more bactericidal than dry steam, since at a temperature of 120 ° C and a pressure of 1.5-2 atm. Complete destruction of all viruses, germs and fungi is achieved. The duration of decontamination depends on the infected material and the type of pathogen.
Important! In addition to autoclaves, simpler disinfectants can be used - conventional steam generators and special steam chambers.
- Burning with fire. With the help of fire( at the stake) or the soldering paw, the infected surfaces of the inventory are burned, as well as personal care items.
Ultrasound
This method is used in special cases, for example, to sterilize the liquid medium. Ultrasound is capable of destroying all microorganisms mechanically.
to content ↑Mechanical method
Mechanical methods use the direct removal of the causative agent of infectious disease. Cleaning of the object is carried out by means of various mechanical means or by removing contaminants with a water jet.
Important! The best way to sanitize is using water under pressure, warm( about 40 C), with dissolved soda ash or caustic soda at a concentration of 1-2%.
Mechanical sanitary treatment also includes:
- Painting.
- Whitewash.
- Washing.
- Stretching.
Important! The maintenance in cleanliness of premises and maintenance of the ideal order, regular cleaning of an integument of domestic animals has the big preventive value. But in order not to cause harm to health, it is necessary to carefully and carefully choose more suitable means for disinfection.
to the contents ↑Biological method
Biological agents can also be used to destroy pathogens of infectious diseases. For example, using microbial antagonists.
Important! Their high efficiency is observed in the decontamination of waste water, garbage chutes, etc.
to the contents ↑Chemical disinfection methods
This method consists in the use of various preparations with a certain chemical composition. They can be made in the form of aerosols, gas, loose solid mixtures, aqueous solutions.
The ideal disinfectant should provide a comprehensive and complete biological sterilization, most importantly - do not harm the person and other useful forms of life.
The choice of preparation for disinfection depends on the specific situation and must satisfy the basic requirements:
- Safety for people, animals and the environment.
- High activity, ensuring the effectiveness of the drug on the pathogens in a short time.
- No corrosive odor.
- Environmentally friendly.
- Shelf life of the working solution.
- Low cost price.
- Good compatibility with materials of processed objects.
- Sufficient bactericidal activity.
- Wide range of action.
- Complete rapid dissolution in water.
Important! All means for disinfection of the chemical principle of action are classified into the following groups:
- Alkalis.
- Acids.
- Phenols.
- Chlorinated preparations.
- Peroxides.
- Alcohols.
- Amines.
- Aldehydes.
Alkydies
Very soluble in water. Solutions with a high concentration of alkalis are a protective barrier to the development of microorganisms and at the same time a means of destruction. These include:
- Corrosive soda.
- Hydrated lime.
- Ash.
- Soda.
- Potassium hydroxide.
- Cospos.
- Potash.
Important! When using preparations for disinfection based on alkalis, it is necessary to adhere to safety measures: it is unacceptable to take bare caustic soda and other means with bare hands, as they corrode the skin. When working with alkalis, it is necessary to use protective equipment: glasses, gloves, respirator.
Acids
Acids are used much less frequently than alkalis, as they are very toxic and costly. Most commonly used hydrochloric, acetic, formic acids, as well as an aerosol mixture based on lactic acid.
Chlorinated preparations
These disinfection products include:
- Chlorine lime.
- Chlorine.
- Chloromine.
- Calcium hypochlorite.
Important! These drugs are used to disinfect - both sewage and drinking water, wagons, as well as disinfection of other premises.
To positive quality of chlorine-containing preparations it is possible to attribute:
- Significant bactericidal activity.
- Low cost.
- Easy transportability and portability.
- Possibility of obtaining the required concentration of the agent in the disinfection of water.
Negative qualities of chlorine are:
- Destructive effect on fabrics, metals and paints.
- Surface action.
- Risk of poisoning.
Alcohols
Usually the following alcohols are used in disinfectants:
- Ethyl.
- Isopropyl.
Important! Most often, alcohols are used as an antiseptic for living tissues. Alcohols are low-toxic, but they have weak fixing properties due to evaporation.
Aldehydes
Formaldehyde and glutamic aldehyde have a wide microbiocidal activity and are capable of killing spores and fungi.
Important! The concentration of the preparation for disinfection on the basis of such substances should be strictly observed, since excess can affect side effects on human health.
Peroxides
Peroxides can be in the form of hydrogen peroxide in disinfectants. Used in preparations in hospitals for surface disinfection or used in solution or in combination with other chemicals. As a antiseptic, a solution of hydrogen peroxide in a 3% concentration is used.
The advantage of the preparation is that in the medium, peroxide decomposes when oxygen and water are converted. But like most active and effective oxidants, the product is dangerous, has teratogenic properties. The smell is very sharp and specific.
Important! In the gaseous form, hydrogen peroxide is dangerous for the eyes and respiratory organs.
Disinfection should be carried out not in isolation, but in a complex of measures. With this approach, a targeted impact on all links of the epizootic chain is envisaged. Only with the observance of complexity, disinfection can play a significant role - both in the prevention of the occurrence of pathogens of the disease, and in their destruction.