Practical selection of cleanroom disinfectants

An important part of contamination control within a cleanroom requires the use of cleaning and disinfection agents. Factors influencing selection of the appropriate disinfectant and a 15-step process for success is discussed in a new article by Dr. Tim Sandle. The article has been published in the journal Hospital Pharmacy Europe.

Here is an extract from the introduction:

“Cleanrooms play an important role in hospitals, from special environments for the preparation of medicines in pharmacies to providing clean air zones for operations. Cleanrooms are designed with special air filters (high efficiency particulate air) to provide ‘clean air’, have positive pressure differentials to prevent the ingress of less clean air, and have strict entry and clothing requirements for personnel. Nevertheless, cleanroom surfaces can become contaminated with microorganisms, transported in from consumables and equipment or shed from personnel. Surfaces pose a risk if they harbour high numbers of bacteria and fungi because these microorganisms can be readily transferred. Thus, an important part of contamination control within a cleanroom requires the use of cleaning and disinfection agents. Hand contamination poses an additional risk. Hands, whether gloved or ungloved, are one of the main ways of spreading infection or for transferring microbial contamination and the use of hand disinfectants and appropriate hand hygiene is also part of the process of good contamination control.”

The reference is:

Sandle, T. (2012). “Practical selection of cleanroom disinfectants”, Hospital Pharmacy Europe, Issue 63, July/August 2012, pp39-41

To find out more, visit Hospital Pharmacy Europe.

Posted by Tim Sandle