Preventing contamination of solutions

Even though disinfectants are effective in killing microorganisms, their abilities are limited, and they can easily become contaminated. Using contaminated solutions can cause infections in clients.

Disinfectants can become contaminated when:

• The water used to dilute a solution is contaminated
• Containers in which the solution is placed are contaminated
• Microorganisms from the service provider's skin or from a contaminated item come in contact with the solutions during use, such as when removing cotton balls from a solution for use in skin preparation
• The area in which solutions are prepared or used is not clean

To prevent contamination:

Because solutions can become contaminated if handled improperly, these solutions must be kept from coming in contact with health care workers' skin or with instruments and other items that are not sterile or high-level disinfected. Solutions may also be more susceptible to contamination, and thus less effective, when exposed to heat and direct light.

Pour solutions out of the container without touching the rim or the solution itself with your hands, a cotton swab, cloth, or gauze. These can contaminate the entire container of solution. Store solutions in a cool, dark area. Avoid storing them in direct light or excessive heat, as this may reduce their strength.

Items such as pickups (lifters, cheatle forceps) scissors, scalpel blades, and suture needles should not be left soaking indefinitely or stored in a disinfectant solution. Items that are high-level disinfected or sterilized should soak only for the amount of time specified, and then be removed from the solution, rinsed, and stored dry. Microorganisms can live and multiply in disinfectant solutions, which can contaminate the items, leading to infection.

©2004 EngenderHealth