The evaluation of electrolyzed water, sodium dichloroisocyanurate, and peracetic acid with hydrogen peroxide for the disinfection of patient room surfaces
Abstract
Strong disinfectants are needed to control dangerous germs like Clostridioides difficile and Candida auris. This study tested three such disinfectants: electrolyzed water (EW), sodium dichloroisocyanurate (NaDCC), and a mix of peracetic acid and hydrogen peroxide (PAA/H₂O₂). The study took place in two New York City hospitals over 18 months. Cleaning staff used these disinfectants on patient room surfaces, sometimes using electrostatic sprayers to help spread the solution evenly. After cleaning, five surfaces in each room were tested for leftover germs. A total of 774 samples were collected. The results showed that NaDCC left behind the fewest germs, with an average of 14 colony-forming units (CFU), compared to 18 CFU for PAA/H₂O₂ and 37 CFU for EW. NaDCC also had fewer surfaces with any remaining germs. Overall, NaDCC—especially when used with wipes and sprayers—was the most effective disinfectant for cleaning hospital room surfaces in this study.
Date: 2022
Source