The effect of long-term disinfection on clinical contact surfaces

BackgroundThe author measured the effect long-term disinfection had on common types of dental office environmental surfaces.MethodsThe author tested nine common dental surfaces and six spray disinfectants, as well as a tap water control. The author used the “spray-wipe-spray” method with paper towels to disinfect the surfaces. Each surface was disinfected 1,920 times, which was an estimate of the number of cleanings per year. After every 100 disinfections, the author conducted blood removal testing of the surface, which monitored residual blood and disinfectant cleaning ability.ResultsThe surface that was most difficult to clean was textured vinyl, followed by smooth vinyl, enameled metal, service line rubber hosing and brushed aluminum. Diluted bleach affected surfaces the most, which resulted in higher blood removal scores.ConclusionsWhen compared with the control, Birex SE had equal or better cleaning scores across time, which might indicate that its use caused little change in the integrity of the surfaces. The results for the other disinfectants varied.Clinical ImplicationsDisinfectants should have good antimicrobial activity and minimal negative impact on the integrity of the surfaces being disinfected. Effective disinfection is highly dependent on efficient cleaning (removal of the bioburden present).