Dangerous microorganisms are found at almost every step. Especially a large number of them are concentrated in crowded places - in medical institutions and enterprises. In order to protect others from the negative effects of microbes and prevent their spread, a set of specific measures is required (the so-called disinfection). The types and methods of disinfection are quite diverse, they are chosen in accordance with the task.
Disinfection measures: varieties
The classification of such procedures includes activities such as:
- Direct disinfection, the purpose of which is the destruction of pathogens.
- Pest control. These are actions aimed at combating insects that can carry diseases (for example, ticks). With this treatment, special chambers with steam or hot air, chemical agents are used. In everyday life, this is boiling, ironing clothes.
- Deratization. Includes measures by which rodents are neutralized. This can be done mechanically, chemically or biologically (domestic cats that directly catch mice).
Types of disinfection
There are two main types of destruction of microorganisms. The first is aimed at protecting against the possible risk of infection - this is the so-called preventive disinfection. It is carried out in institutions visited by children, in crowded places that can be potential carriers of infection (in medical institutions, maternity hospitals), swimming pools, transport, enterprises, etc. If the focus of the disease is already present, then focal disinfection is necessary . It can be of two types: current and final. The first occurs when the source of pathogens is constantly in the room. The second - after the focus of infection is already absent. Disinfection methods are different. In practice, all of them are combined to achieve a more stable, high-quality result.
What are the methods of disinfection
Depending on which main tool is used in the fight against microbes, certain methods are distinguished. Wet cleaning, sweeping, airing in the room - all this has a common name - mechanical disinfection.
This also includes shaking or knocking out
carpets, hand washing. Such disinfection methods are quite effective in everyday life, especially ventilation. With it, the number of microbes that are in the air is significantly reduced. Another common way to kill pathogens is through biological disinfection. It is carried out using living organisms, for example, antagonist microbes. It is used when cleaning sewers, garbage, cesspools. High results are obtained by such methods of disinfection as physical and chemical.
Physical method of disinfection
This method of killing microbes has become widespread due to its effectiveness. Physical methods of disinfection are based on the use of steam, high temperature, ultraviolet rays, etc. Boiling also belongs to this category and is a fairly simple but effective way to get rid of infection. There are special chambers (in sanitary inspection rooms, medical institutions) in which underwear (under pressure) is used to process underwear or bedding. Physical disinfection methods are especially effective in cases where the use of any chemical agents is prohibited (for example, objects may be damaged by their action). Ultraviolet radiation is used in the disinfection of waste. Some microorganisms die when exposed to direct sunlight (but only at certain times and seasons). Basically, the physical type of disinfection is used in the processing of linen, dishes, dressings and tools. Ultrasound is rarely used. It is worth noting that physical methods of disinfection and sterilization are one of the most effective, and at the same time safe for staff.
Use of chemicals
This method of disinfection is common not only in medical institutions, but also in other areas, such as utilities, transportation, food industry and many others. Chemical disinfection methods are aimed at destroying or reducing the activity of bacteria, viruses and fungi. Disinfection can be carried out in several ways: soaking, rubbing, irrigation, falling asleep. His choice depends directly on the surface area to be processed, as well as on the time for which it is necessary to obtain a result. The material of the object and its configuration are also taken into account. It is worth considering that chemical methods of disinfection involve the use of toxic substances, so when working with them it is important to adhere to the recommendations and dosage.
Disinfectants
The following substances are used as a basis for disinfectants: chlorine, its compounds, alcohol (ethyl or methyl), formaldehyde (as well as formalin) - this is an incomplete list of chemicals.
Chemical methods and means of disinfection can not do without iodine, hydrogen peroxide, phenols, Lugol's solution. Various acids and salts are also used. All chemical compounds must meet a number of requirements: be inexpensive, affordable, soluble in water, have good bactericidal properties that are not lost during storage. Another important point is safety in use. Disinfectants are available in the form of solutions, aerosols, tablets, powder. It is very important to remember safety measures when working with disinfectants. All of them must be in closed containers, with labels that clearly indicate the name and
expiration date. Do not prepare working solutions in poorly ventilated, small rooms. It is also unacceptable to use warm (or hot) water when diluted.
Disinfection Modes
Regulatory documents distinguish three main modes of disinfection.
- P-1 is aimed at the destruction of bacteria of the group of Escherichia coli, as well as viruses that cause respiratory diseases.
- P-2 is a regimen in which the fight against tuberculosis pathogens and all kinds of fungi is carried out.
- The third regimen (P-3) aims to fight hepatitis and HIV.
For each species, a special methodology has been developed and certain means of disinfection. The technique of execution includes a certain concentration of the substance, the time during which the methods and modes of disinfection will give the most significant result. Medical institutions have developed plans for ongoing disinfection, their number for each specific department (obstetric, surgical).
How is hand treatment
For medical personnel, the issue of competent hand handling is very acute. Moreover, the disinfection methods used can significantly reduce the risk of transmission of pathogenic microorganisms from the doctor to the patient, and minimize the number of nosocomial infections. Allocate hygienic washing (after examinations, visits to latrines), hygienic disinfection. It must be carried out in contact with exposed areas of the body, wounds, injections, surgery. Surgical treatment of the hands is necessary for everyone who takes part in the operation. In this case, the hands are washed, dried. A special agent is applied to them, which is rubbed for 2 minutes. Dosage is determined by the type of disinfection fluid. The procedure must be repeated again.
Quality control of disinfection
In order to assess the quality of the performed manipulations, the flushing method is used. It is carried out before disinfection and after, but not less than on 3 units of inventory (about 1% of the processed lot). If harmful microorganisms are absent, then the disinfection methods used have yielded the desired result. If pathogenic flora is found, all instruments must once again undergo the disinfection process. Samples are also placed for the presence of blood and detergent residues (they can leave an alkaline trace). Quality control of disinfection in medical institutions is carried out every day. The senior nurse is responsible for its conduct.