Types and methods of disinfection. Physical and chemical methods of disinfection

Dangerous microorganisms occur almost at every step. Especially a large number of them are concentrated in places of mass gathering of people - in medical institutions, at enterprises. In order to protect others from the negative impact of microbes and prevent their spread, a set of specific measures (so-called disinfection) is needed . Types and methods of disinfection are quite diverse, they are chosen in accordance with the task.

Disinfection measures: varieties

Classification of such procedures includes such activities as:

• Direct disinfection, the purpose of which is the destruction of pathogenic microorganisms.
• Disinsection. These are actions aimed at fighting insects that can tolerate diseases (eg, ticks). This treatment uses special chambers with steam or hot air, chemical means. In everyday life it is boiling, ironing the iron with linen.
• Deratization. Includes activities by which the rodents are rendered harmless. This can be done mechanically, chemically or biologically (domestic cats that are directly harvested by mice).

Types of disinfection

There are two main types of destruction of microorganisms. The first is aimed at protecting against a possible risk of infection - this is the so-called preventive disinfection. It is carried out in institutions visited by children in places where large numbers of people can be found who may be potential carriers of infection (in hospitals, maternity houses), 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 pathogenic microorganisms is constantly in the room. The second - after the focus of infection is already absent. Methods of disinfection are different. In practice, they are all combined to achieve a more stable, qualitative result.

What are the methods of disinfection

Depending on which main tool is used in the fight against microbes, identify certain methods. Conducting in the room wet cleaning, sweeping, airing - all this has a general name - mechanical disinfection. This also includes shaking or knocking out carpeting, hand washing. Such methods of disinfection are quite effective in everyday life, especially airing. With the help of it, the number of microbes that are in the air decreases significantly. Another common method of destroying pathogenic microorganisms is biological disinfection. It is carried out using the use of living organisms, for example, antagonist microbes. It is used for cleaning sewers, garbage, cesspools. A high result is provided by disinfection methods, such as physical and chemical.

The physical method of disinfection

This method of destroying 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 the infection. There are special cells (in sanpropubnevnikah, medical institutions), in which with the help of steam (under pressure) processed underwear or bedding. Physical methods of disinfection are especially effective in cases where the use of any chemical agents is prohibited (for example, objects can be damaged under their action). Ultraviolet radiation is used in the disinfection of waste. Some microorganisms perish when exposed to direct sunlight (but only at a certain time and time of year). In general, the physical type of disinfection is used in the processing of laundry, dishes, dressings and tools. Rarely apply ultrasound. It is worth noting that physical methods of disinfection and sterilization are some of the most effective and at the same time safe for the personnel.

Use of chemical agents

This method of disinfection is widespread not only in medical institutions, but also in other spheres, such as communal, transport, 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. Its choice depends directly on the surface area to be processed, as well as on the time for which it is necessary to obtain the result. Also, the material of the object, its configuration are taken into account. It should be borne in mind that chemical methods of disinfection involve the use of toxic substances, so when working with them it is important to follow the recommendations and dosage.

Means of disinfection

Disinfectants are based on the following substances: 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 do not do without iodine, hydrogen peroxide, phenols, Lugol's solution. Also used are various acids and salts. All chemical compounds must meet a number of requirements: to be inexpensive, affordable, soluble in water, have good bactericidal properties, which 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 the safety measures when working with disinfectants. All of them should be in closed containers, with labels on which the name and expiration date are clearly indicated . Do not prepare working solutions in poorly ventilated, small rooms. It is also unacceptable to use warm (or hot) water when diluting.

Disinfection modes

Normative documents identify three basic disinfection regimes.

• P-1 is aimed at the destruction of bacteria of the E. coli group, as well as viruses that cause respiratory diseases.
• P-2 is a mode in which the fight against pathogens of tuberculosis and all kinds of fungi is being conducted.
• The third regime (P-3) is aimed at combating hepatitis and HIV.

For each species, a special technique for carrying out and certain means of decontamination has been developed. The technique of execution includes a certain concentration of the substance, the time at which the methods and modes of disinfection will give the most significant result. In medical institutions, plans for the current disinfection have been developed, and their number for each specific department (obstetric, surgical).

How Hand Processing Works

For medical personnel, the question of competent treatment of hands is very acute. At the same time, 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 inspections, visits to latrines), hygienic disinfection. It should be carried out in contact with open areas of the body, wounds, injections, surgical intervention. Surgical treatment of brushes is necessary for everyone who takes part in the operation. At the same time, hands are washed and dried. They are applied a special tool, which is rubbed for 2 minutes. The dosage is determined by the type of liquid for disinfection. The procedure must be repeated again.

Quality control of disinfection

In order to assess the quality of the manipulations carried out, the flushing method is used. It is carried out before disinfection and after, but not less than 3 units of inventory (about 1% of the processed lot). If there are no harmful microorganisms, the disinfection methods used gave the desired result. If a pathogenic flora is found, all instruments must go through the disinfection process once more. Also put samples for the presence of blood residues and detergents (they can leave an alkaline trace). Quality control of disinfection in medical institutions is carried out every day. Responsible for his conduct senior nurse.