HEALTHCARE HYGIENE
I NEED A HERO
There have been many products tried and tested in the realm of healthcare in the quest to discover the most effective cleaner in an industry where hygiene is paramount. Stephen Pywell, New
Product Development Chemist at Airedale Chemical, explains why there is a new hero product emerging that is ticking all the boxes for hospital buyers.
THE MODERN FAVOURITE:
PERACETIC ACID The NHS’s search to find the most effective cleaning products and methods is an ongoing pursuit with no clear ‘winner’ as yet, with several chemicals and solutions each with their own strengths and weaknesses.
However, in recent years, peracetic acid (PAA) has emerged as the disinfectant of choice over other traditional methods of disinfection in healthcare environments.
Unlike bleach (sodium hypochlorite), it does not linger on surfaces. PAA components are completely biodegradable to its base elements of hydrogen peroxide and acetic acid. In comparison to bleach, which requires rinsing after use, PAA does not need to be rinsed off surfaces. When used correctly, it can be used to sanitise surfaces, vessels, closed systems and
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equipment safely, ensuring surfaces remain sanitised until required.
This effective bactericide disinfectant, which also acts as a fungicide and sporicide, is a broad spectrum product, generally considered a more powerful alternative to hydrogen peroxide. It breaks down the permeability of cell walls and oxidises enzymes, metabolites and proteins.
PAA rinses away completely leaving no residue, but is still able to kill many micro-organisms. It is often used as a destainer in laundry applications and is highly effective at low temperatures.
The low corrosion risk, which is in contrast to some disinfectants that can affect metal surfaces, means it can be safely used for the cleaning of many medical and dental instruments without having to worry about damage occurring.
It is now one of the most frequently used disinfectants for the sterilisation of medical devices such as endoscopy equipment as it has such potent disinfecting qualities but doesn’t leave behind any toxic deposits which could jeopardise patients’ health.
With efficiency being so high on the agendas of health authorities, the fact that PAA has such a long shelf life, coupled with its environmental credentials mean it is increasingly becoming the product which gives buyers value for money.
Only very low concentrations are required to achieve effective disinfection, particularly in comparison to bleach and hydrogen peroxide, where overdosing is a common mistake, making PAA not only a cost effective, efficient disinfecting choice but also a safer alternative for hospitals and end users.
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