5 Best Hospital Disinfectants to Use in Hospitals

In hospitals, disinfectants are critical for preventing the spread of infections and diseases such as healthcare-acquired infections (HAIs) and highly infectious diseases such as COVID-19. Hospitals must be cautious in their disinfectant selection and use to ensure their effectiveness and the health and safety of everyone in the healthcare setting.

HAIs are infections that occur when a person is receiving treatment for another disease. HAIs are a leading cause of sickness and mortality, with major emotional, financial, and medical effects. According to the Centers for Disease Control about 1 in 31 inpatients have an infection related to hospital care. These infections lead to tens of thousands of deaths and cost the U.S. healthcare system billions of dollars each year.

Importance of Disinfectants in Hospitals

Hospital disinfectants are crucial because they help prevent the spread of infections and diseases. Hospitals are places where sick people go to receive medical care, and it is critical to keep these surroundings as clean and sterile as possible in order to avoid the spread of germs. Disinfectants are chemicals used to kill or remove germs including bacteria, viruses, and fungi from surfaces, equipment, and medical devices. Because these microorganisms can survive on surfaces for extended periods of time, the risk of transmission from person to person increases. Proper selection and use of disinfectants are also essential to ensure their effectiveness. Different disinfectants are effective against different types of microorganisms and require specific contact times and application methods to be effective.

The Issue with Disinfectants in Hospitals

The hospital environment has been increasingly linked to acquisition of organisms, especially C. difficile and multidrug resistant micro-organisms (MDROs). In a study on the role of environmental contamination in the transmission of nosocomial pathogens and healthcare-associated infections, 40% of rooms were contaminated with MDROs. Despite terminal cleaning, Hu et al. demonstrated that biofilms containing MDROs are found on 52% of ICU surfaces. Additionally, other studies have demonstrated the transfer of pathogens from surfaces to the hands of healthcare workers in the absence of direct patient contact. Epidemiologic studies have also shown that patients admitted to rooms previously occupied by individuals infected or colonized with MRSA, VRE, C. dificile, MDR Acinetobacter, and Pseudomonas are up to a three-fold higher risk of acquiring these organisms from contaminated environmental surfaces.[1]

The issue with disinfectants in hospitals is that they can lead to the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, also known as “superbugs.” Overuse and misuse of disinfectants can create an environment in which bacteria can develop resistance to the disinfectants used, as well as to antibiotics. This occurs because disinfectants, like antibiotics, can kill susceptible bacteria; but, if certain bacteria survive disinfectant exposure, they can grow and spread, resulting in the creation of resistance strains. These antibiotic-resistant bacteria can cause serious and potentially fatal illnesses that are difficult to treat with standard medications.

Furthermore, some disinfectants can be hazardous to human health if not used correctly. Exposure to excessive quantities of some disinfectants, for example, can induce respiratory issues and skin irritation. Overuse and misuse of disinfectants can result in the growth of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, making disinfection less effective over time.

Hospital-Acquired Infections

HAIs are a significant concern in healthcare settings, and disinfectants play a critical role in reducing the risk of these infections. HAIs can lead to serious complications, including prolonged hospital stays, increased healthcare costs, and even death.

HAIs are a significant public health problem, affecting millions of people worldwide each year. They can lead to prolonged hospital stays, increased healthcare costs, and, in some cases, death. Patients who are already sick, elderly, or have weakened immune systems are particularly vulnerable to HAIs. 

There are several ways that HAIs can occur, including:

1. Contact with contaminated surfaces, equipment, or devices, such as catheters or ventilators.
2. Contact with healthcare workers who are carrying infectious microorganisms.
3. Exposure to airborne microorganisms, such as those that cause tuberculosis or influenza.
4. Improper use or handling of medications, such as antibiotics.

To prevent HAIs, healthcare facilities employ a range of infection prevention and control measures, such as hand hygiene, proper use of personal protective equipment, appropriate use of antibiotics, and routine cleaning and disinfection of surfaces and equipment. Additionally, healthcare facilities may use surveillance systems to monitor and track HAIs, identify trends and outbreaks, and implement targeted prevention and control measures.

Preventing HAIs requires a multifaceted approach that involves collaboration between healthcare providers, patients, and families, as well as ongoing education and training to ensure that infection prevention and control practices are consistently followed. Hospital disinfectants are key to prevent HAIs and ensure patients are safe.

5 Types of Disinfectants Used in Hospitals 

There are many types of disinfectants used in hospitals, and the specific type will depend on the intended use, the microorganisms being targeted, and the surfaces or equipment being disinfected. Some common hospital disinfectants include:

1. Quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs): These disinfectants are often used to clean and disinfect surfaces, such as floors, walls, and countertops. They are effective against a wide range of microorganisms and are often preferred over other disinfectants because they are less likely to cause irritation to the skin and respiratory system.
2. Titanium Dioxide: Titanium dioxide (TiO2) is a photocatalyst that has been studied for its potential use as a disinfectant. When exposed to ultraviolet (UV) light, TiO2 can produce reactive oxygen species that are capable of killing microorganisms, including bacteria and viruses. 
3. Hydrogen Peroxide: This disinfectant is often used to disinfect surfaces and medical equipment. It is effective against a wide range of microorganisms and is considered less toxic than some other disinfectants.
4. UV Light: UVC light has been shown to be effective in killing a wide range of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi, by damaging their DNA and preventing them from replicating. UVC light is commonly used in hospitals to disinfect surfaces, air, and water. UVC light can also be used to disinfect medical equipment, such as endoscopes, which are difficult to clean using traditional methods.
5. Alcohol-based disinfectants: These disinfectants are often used to disinfect hands and skin. They are effective against a broad range of microorganisms and are often preferred over other disinfectants because they are less likely to cause skin irritation and are more convenient to use.

It’s important to note that different disinfectants have different properties, such as their effectiveness against different microorganisms and their potential toxicity. Healthcare facilities must carefully consider which disinfectants to use based on their specific needs and circumstances, and follow proper procedures for their use and disposal.

NanoRAD: A New Disinfectant

NanoRAD is a hydrogen peroxide disinfectant that is continuously produced until bacteria and viruses are eradicated, it even works on persistent biofilms. NanoRAD technology has a way to check for remaining coating life and can kill viruses and bacteria as they land on surfaces for months. NanoRAD is a game-changing nanotechnology that provides continuous bacteria and virus protection for weeks or even months, depending on the formulation; its potential as a disinfectant or coating for medical devices are numerous. Other disinfectants seen in hospitals can be ineffective. When it comes to UV Light and Titanium Dioxide, light must be present in order for the process to work. Using QACs can have some disadvantages with skin irritation, environmental impact, flammability and more. Alcohol-based disinfectants may not be effective against all types of microorganisms, such as bacterial spores and some fungi. Overall, NanoRAD is a safe, effective, and clear solution in changing the way the world disinfects. 

The Bottom Line 

Hospital disinfectants are critical in limiting the spread of infections and illnesses. However, overuse and misuse of antibiotics can result in the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria or harm to human health. To avoid these concerns, healthcare facilities must establish methods to decrease the use of disinfectants and promote the safe use of antibiotics. To ensure disinfectant effectiveness and to preserve the health and safety of everyone in the healthcare setting, hospitals must carefully choose and apply disinfectants. To avoid hospital-acquired infections, a multidimensional approach involving collaboration among healthcare personnel, patients, and families, as well as ongoing education and training, is essential. NanoRAD will change the way the world disinfects! 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• Are Kismet Technologies products safe for use in various hospital environments, including patient rooms, operating theaters, and waiting areas?

Yes, Third-party toxicity results show this product is as safe as water and EPA lists cerium oxide as inert and OSHA deems it non-hazardous.

• Can Kismet Technologies products effectively eliminate a wide range of pathogens commonly found in healthcare settings, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi?

Yes, Kismet Technologies products generate on-demand hydrogen peroxide at the microscale until the pathogen is eradicated.

• What is the application process for Kismet Technologies products, and how frequently does it need to be reapplied to maintain its disinfecting properties?

Kismet Technologies products can be sprayed on hard and soft surfaces providing long-lasting antimicrobial protection for weeks and months.

• What types of disinfectants do hospitals use?

Hospitals typically use Quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs), Titanium Dioxide, Hydrogen Peroxide, UV Light, and Alcohol-based disinfectants.

[1] The Role of Environmental Contamination in the Transmission of Nosocomial Pathogens and Healthcare-Associated Infections Geehan Suleyman1 & George Alangaden2 & Ana Cecilia Bardossy Published: 27 April 2018