Are alcohol wipes effective in the presence of protein?

Research suggests that alcohol wipes are capable of destroying the widest range of microbial contamination
(including Mycobacteria, the genus of bacteria that includes the infectious cause of tuberculosis). Alcohol wipes are virucidal against ‘enveloped’ viruses, such as HIV and hepatitis B and against the ‘non-enveloped’ viruses, such as poliovirus, rhinoviruses and hepatitis A. However, in addition to microbial contamination, surfaces may also be contaminated with protein residues such as blood and pus. It has been suggested that alcohol may bind protein to stainless surfaces and the presence of protein may compromise the efficacy of alcohol based wipes.

This issue is the basis of an article by Tim Sandle. The reference is:

Sandle, T. (2014) Are alcohol wipes effective in the presence of protein?, The Dentist, October 2014, pp92-94

A similar article,. outlining good cleaning practices has also been published:

Sandle, T. (2014) Keeping surfaces microbe free, Dental Nursing (Infection Control), October 2014, p1

For a copies, please contact Tim Sandle


Posted by Tim Sandle