Antiseptics and Disinfectants
Description Disinfecting Surfaces Intact Skin Wounds and Mucous Membranes Articles and Instruments DESCRIPTION Disinfectants are used to kill micro-organisms on working surfaces and instruments, but cannot be relied on to destroy all micro-organisms. Antiseptics are used for reducing bacterial load on skin and mucous membranes. Disinfecting surfaces Guidelines for the use of disinfectants Cleansi
Description
Disinfecting Surfaces
Intact Skin
Wounds and Mucous Membranes
Articles and Instruments
DESCRIPTION
Disinfectants are used to kill micro-organisms on working surfaces and instruments, but cannot be relied on to destroy all micro-organisms.
Antiseptics are used for reducing bacterial load on skin and mucous membranes.
Disinfecting surfaces
Guidelines for the use of disinfectants
- Cleansing (removal of visible soiling) is the first and most important step in chemical disinfection.
- The disinfectant fluid must entirely cover the object and penetrate all crevices.
- Use the recommended strengths for specific purposes.
- Disinfectants cannot sterilise surgical instruments.
- No chemical agent acts immediately; note the recommended exposure time.
- Equipment must be rinsed with sterile water after immersion in a chemical disinfectant e.g. chlorhexidine solution, 0.5% in 70% alcohol.
- Avoid recontamination at this stage.
- Make sure that the rinsing water and all other apparatus are sterile.
- Equipment must not be stored in chemical disinfectants.
- The best disinfectant for killing HIV and other pathogens is a chlorinated solution such as bleach or hypochlorite:
- Solutions must be freshly prepared.
- Discarded after 24 hours to disinfect properly.
- Do not use on the skin.
Intact skin
- Use alcohol swabs to clean skin surface before injections are administered.
- Use antiseptics like povidone iodine or chlorhexidine for surgical scrubbing.
Wounds and mucous membranes
- Use chlorhexidine 0.05% aqueous solution to clean dirty wounds.
- Use sodium chloride 0.9% and sterile water on clean wounds.
Click on table to enlarge
Table 10.1: Disinfectants
Articles and instruments
- Adhere to the appropriate cleansing and disinfection policy.
Standard Treatment Guidelines and Essential Medicines List for South Africa, Primary Healthcare, 2020-2024_Version 1.1_20 January 2025
Chapter 10: Infections and Related Conditions_10.1 Antiseptics and Disinfectants