One of the ways healthcare associated infections (HAI) spread is through contaminated surfaces.
According to the CDC, at any given time, about 1 in every 20 patients has an infection related to their hospital care and the length of a patients stay increases by 19.2 days if they get an HAI. A crucial step in eliminating HAIs is proper surface disinfection. Surfaces in health care settings are often touched by many hands, and it is imperative to keep these surfaces clean in order to deter the spread of germs. Quaternary Ammonium Chloride (QAC) continues to serve as the primary form of surface disinfection in the healthcare environment.
Compared to other types of disinfectants, QACs are more effective at cleaning, do not damage clothing and carpets, have less of an odor and have low skin irritation. QACs have broadspectrum efficacy against bacteria, viruses, protozoa, fungus, and algae commonly found in healthcare environments. As well as killing a broad range of germs, QACs are non-corrosive on metal surfaces and the majority of medical grade plastic types have strong material compatibility. Unlike any aqueous oxidizing disinfectant, QAC-based chemistries provide superior stability properties versus any other disinfectant chemistry with a shelf-life greater than three years.
Jaime M. Ferreira, PhD, PDI Research and Development explores the advantages and common misconceptions of using QAC in healthcare settings in a detailed white paper: The Quat Advantage: Quaternary Ammonium Chloride and Its Advantages in Healthcare Facilities.
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