How to Identify and Use Hospital-Grade Disinfectants

With a pandemic environment today, it has become a top priority for clinics, hospitals, and other medical facilities to maintain an environment free of germs, bacteria, and viruses. Even people’s homes, workplaces, schools, and public spaces need to be kept safe from the threat of the deadly virus.

Products like Viraclean disinfectant make sure that even the smallest surfaces like handrails, doorknobs, light switches, counters, and workstations are thoroughly cleaned without leaving an overpowering smell familiar with strong disinfectants.

Through their top-notch cleaning technology, medical workers and regular people alike can be confident to use facilities and equipment prone to bacteria and germs. Using such disinfectants can also help contain and stop the spread of diseases.

Different Types of Cleaning Products and When to Use Them

When it comes to cleaning and disinfection, not only one product is used. Certain situations may require a different type of cleaning agent to effectively remove or kill bacteria and viruses.

• Sterilisers – These are used to eliminate all bacteria, fungi, spores, and viruses. These products are used especially in operating rooms where critical instruments are used for handling sterile body tissues.
• Disinfectants – These can kill microorganisms but not their spores. It should be used on hard, inanimate, non-porous surfaces. In a medical setting, it should be used on non-critical instruments―those that only come in contact with intact skin and environmental surfaces. Semi-critical objects or those that come in contact with mucus membranes should also be disinfected.
• Sanitisers – These reduce but not eliminate microorganisms should be used on knives, cutting boards, stockpots, or even non-food contacts like the sink, counters, or kitchen tops.
• Cleaning – This only refers to the physical removal of dirt and germs either by washing or wiping a surface.

Difference Between Ordinary Disinfectant and Hospital Grade Disinfectant

Most products like Viraclean disinfectant have two types: commercial and hospital-grade disinfectant. The commercial disinfectant can be used for surfaces such as sinks, toilets, and hard surfaces like chairs, tables, and benches.  The hospital-grade disinfectant is pH neutral and has a non-corrosive formula that can kill a broad range of bacteria and viruses.

A hospital-grade disinfectant is suitable for disinfecting buildings and other fitting surfaces but excludes instruments or surfaces that may contact the skin. It should meet government standards to be used in health care settings. Depending on this standard, the surface applied with the hospital-grade disinfectant should be tested for the presence of certain organisms. If these organisms cannot be detected, then the product passed the quality evaluation test.

On the other hand, household or commercial grade disinfectants must also meet government standards and be tested for effectiveness. However, the testing process is not as comprehensive as it is for hospital-grade disinfectants.

The product label should also specify if it is a hospital-grade disinfectant or a commercial one. Household or commercial-grade disinfectants should never replace hospital-grade disinfectants.

The pandemic increased the demand for disinfectants used in medical, commercial, and household use. Disinfectants are essential in killing harmful microorganisms on frequently touched surfaces. It is important to use them with caution. Always read the label and instructions before use.

Household and commercial grade disinfectants reduce microorganisms from a wide range of surfaces. On the other hand, hospital-grade disinfectants can kill a variety of bacteria and viruses.