Powerful Infection Control Training Tips (Long Term Care) - Infection Prevention & Control Expert

[@ipcwell3847]

There is only so much you can teach from behind a desk... I love being on site!

[@darrelhicks5867]

 Dwell or contact time refers to how long you must leave a chemical on a surface for it to do everything the label says it will. However, there is a universal misunderstanding of the meaning of dwell or contact time for disinfectants. Myth: The contact time on a disinfectant’s label is the time a surface must remain wet for the disinfectant to kill the listed organisms. Fact: 10-minute contact time is meant for EPA registration, NOT the time it takes to kill microorganisms on pre-cleaned surfaces. 1. Multiple scientific studies have demonstrated the efficacy of disinfectants against pathogens causing healthcare-associated infections with a contact time of at least 1 minute regardless of what the label states. 2. The only way an institution can achieve a contact time of 10 minutes is to reapply the surface disinfectant 5-6 times to the surface as the typical dry time for a water-based disinfectant is 1.5-2 minutes and currently, healthcare facilities are achieving surface disinfection of non-critical patient care items and environmental surfaces by one application of a disinfectant and requiring a >1-minute dry time. 3. Equally important as disinfectant contact time is the application of the disinfectant to the surface or equipment to ensure that all contaminated surfaces and non-critical patient care equipment are wiped. Current studies demonstrate that only approximately 50% of high-risk objects are effectively cleaned at terminal cleaning. 4. There are no data that demonstrate improved infection prevention by a 10-minute contact time versus a 1-minute contact time. 5. We are not aware of enforcement action against healthcare facilities for “off-label” use of a surface disinfectant. Thus, we believe the guideline allows us to continue our use of low-level disinfectants for noncritical environmental surfaces and patient-care equipment with a 1-minute contact time. Additionally, all facilities should re-emphasize the thoroughness of cleaning to ensure that all contaminated surfaces are wiped.

[@miriamegh]

When I worked in a clinic, I never saw the cleaner wait for nothing. Sometimes, patients were already in line so there was no time to wait. It was wrong would share with my former colleagues, hopefully covid changed that though.

[@miriamegh]

Even I just learned a few things about cleaning my room. I didn’t know you have to leave the disinfectant for sometime. Thank you for sharing.