Surface disinfectants used in healthcare environments.

Abstract

Objective: Review the most relevant aspects to consider when selecting the optimal surface disinfectant for use in healthcare settings.

Method: The review was conducted over a three-month period (January to March 2024) based on the list of healthcare surface disinfectants authorized by the Spanish Agency of Medicines and Medical Devices and those in a transitional period, with marketing allowed until their registration in the Official Biocide Register. Biocidal agents belonging to the categories of skin antiseptics and insect repellents were excluded. A total of 100 biocidal agents were selected and evenly distributed among four researchers. The review strategy involved consulting the marketing representatives of these products via email or by reviewing their technical datasheets on their respective websites. The reviewed aspects of each disinfectant included marketed presentations, declared efficacy, composition, indication, dosage, and usage instructions.

Results: The total number of biocidal agents included in the study was 85. A total of 29 suppliers were consulted, covering 141 marketed presentations, 25 (29.41%) of which were sterile. Regarding the efficacy declared by suppliers, 100% (85 products) showed bactericidal activity, 81.18% (69) fungicidal activity, 78.82% (67) virucidal activity, 50.59% (43) yeasticidal activity, 20% (17) mycobactericidal/tuberculocidal activity, and 17.65% (15) sporicidal activity. In terms of usage instructions, 40 of the 85 biocides (47.06%) were presented in a ready-to-use dosage format, and 34 (40%) allowed for cleaning and disinfection in a single step. A total of 14 biocides (16.47%) included airborne disinfection options.

Conclusions: Selecting the most appropriate surface disinfectant is not straightforward, given the wide range of marketed products, the number of factors to consider, and the fact that not all products meet every criterion. For this reason, the selection process must be accompanied by the implementation of optimized programs aimed at reducing the transmission of pathogens from surfaces to patients and healthcare personnel.