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Advantages of quaternary ammonium compounds

There is considerable evidence that contaminated surfaces and the untreated hands of healthcare professionals contribute to the spread of nosocomial pathogens within the hospital setting.

Tim Sandle discusses the advantages of quaternary ammonium compounds for ward disinfection and infection control. 

Healthcare‐associated infections present a serious and ever-present source of morbidity and mortality. Within the hospital setting, the risk needs to be addressed through an effective infection control strategy, which must include surface cleaning and disinfection, glove disinfection, and hand sanitisation. These measures should be observed by healthcare professionals for the personal hygiene, decontamination of the ward and for treating equipment and surfaces in-between patients. With the latter step, this is additionally important since many patients will be asymptomatic carriers of infectious agents. While many of the microorganisms against which these measures are targeted will not pose a risk to the general populace under normal circumstances, risks exist should these organisms enter the blood or tissues and there are enhanced concerns with immunocompromised patients.

Central to the infection control strategy is the selection and use of an appropriate disinfectant.1 An ideal disinfectant will have a broad spectrum of activity and a relatively short contact time.2 A suitable disinfectant, which meets these objectives, is a blend of quaternary ammonium compounds. As an additional advantage, formulations can be supplemented with detergents to improve cleanability.

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Upcoming Events

Central Sterilising Club Annual Scientific Meeting

Crowne Plaza, Newcastle Upon Tyne
3rd - 4th April 2023

DECON UK 2023

Hilton Birmingham Metropole
18th April 2023

Infection Prevention and Control 2023

National Conference Centre, Birmingham
25th - 26th April 2023

Oncology Professional Care

ExCeL London E16 1XL
23-24 May 2023

EBME Expo 2023

Judds Lane, Coventry, England, GB, CV6 6
28th - 29th June 2023

AfPP Annual Conference 2023

University of York
10- 13 August 2023

Access the latest issue of Clinical Services Journal on your mobile device together with an archive of back issues.

Download the FREE Clinical Services Journal app from your device's App store

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