Infection prevention and control: Guideline for speech pathologists, Version 1,2020.

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Table 10: List of Questions to Consider when Choosing a Disinfectant

Factors to consider

Questions to ask

Does the product: •

Kill infectious agents that cause most healthcare associated infections and outbreaks? • Have sustained activity once used on a surface? • Work in the presence of organic matter (e.g., sputum)? • Testing match real-life scenarios? • Kill infectious agents quickly? • Is it “fast-acting”? • Does it keep surfaces wet for enough time to kill infectious agents? • How long before the disinfectant evaporates? • Does organic material inactivate the product? • Is it compatible with the surfaces in our facility? • Is it compatible with other products in use? • Is it compatible with medical equipment? • Does it come in the forms the clinical or practice setting needs (wipes, sprays, liquids)? • Are the instructions clear? • Does it need dilution? • Is it a two-step one-step product? • How much training will be required, and who will provide this training? • Can the product help to standardise practices within the clinical or practice setting? • Is it the most cost-effective option? (Consider product capabilities, efficiencies through improvements in cleaning compliance/standardisation and potential transmission avoided) • Hospital grade or household/ commercial grade disinfectant liquids, sprays, wipes, sponges and aerosols that make specific claims** to kill microorganisms. These specific claims relate to their virucidal, sporicidal, tuberculocidal, fungicidal or other biocidal activity. • What is the toxicity rating? • Does a relevant regulatory body approve it? • What PPE (if any) will be required?

Kill claims

Wet-contact times

Compatibility

Safety

Ease of use

Value for money

Legislative requirements

Adapted from multiple sources 9,54,68,79-81

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Infection Prevention and Control - Guideline for Speech Pathologists | Version 1, 2020