Work

Comparison between two methods of cleaning and disinfection of digital pulse oximeters in primary care

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: OBJECTIVES: to compare the efficacy and duration of cleaning and disinfection of digital oximeters with two methods in a primary care setting. METHODS: microbiological culture and adenosine triphosphate assay results were evaluated in oximeters inoculated with Salmonella typhimurium, Staphylococcus aureus or Escherichia coli: after water and detergent followed by 70% ethanol (method 1); after one-step disinfectant based on benzalkonium chloride and polyhexamethylene biguanide hydrochloride (method 2); and no cleaning and disinfection (control). Effective disinfection was defined as: (1) microbial load reduction of ≥99.99%, (2) negative culture or (3) final microbial load <103. RESULTS: effective disinfection varied between 33.3% (criterion 2) and 72.2% (criterion 3) and was similar between the two methods, while cleaning and disinfection duration in method 2 was notably shorter. CONCLUSIONS: the efficacy of the two methods was similar and suboptimal, highlighting the challenges associated with the cleaning and disinfection of electronic medical devices in primary care.

Source: Revista Brasileira de Enfermagem

DOI: 10.1590/0034-7167-2024-0485

Authors: Juliana Arruda de Matos, Ivana Bogado Martinez, Érika de Almeida Leite da Silva Teixeira de Souza, Hilda Silva de Souza Barreto, Maria Cristina da Silva Lourenço, Regina Paiva Daumas

Institutions: Escuela Nacional de Sanidad, National School of Public Health

Language: English

Topic: Medical Device Sterilization and Disinfection

Subfield: Microbiology

Field: Immunology and Microbiology

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $247