Advanced Instrument Processing Solutions

First, let me again clarify that I suggested the use of alcohol for disinfection, as opposed to a halogen (bleach) or a quaternary ammonium compound, because alcohol is not corrosive to stainless steel surfaces. Alcohols are effective at killing a wide range of micro-organisms (bacteria, fungi and mycobacteria) as well as inactivating viruses. They are not, however, effective against spores and some hydrophilic viruses.

Alcohols work by denaturing cellular proteins and dissolving some cellular lipids. Since proteins denature more quickly in the presence of water, and water is needed for alcohol to cross the cell wall, alcohols are most effective below 90% concentration. Above 90% concentration, alcohol will only dehydrate the cell wall without entering the cell and denaturing its proteins.

The two most common types of alcohol used in healthcare are ethyl and isopropyl. Since 70% isopropyl is less dehydrating to living tissue than 70% ethyl alcohol, 70% isopropyl is normally the choice for skin antiseptic and the most prevalently used. 70% isopropyl alcohol is also a common choice as both an antiseptic and disinfectant because of its relatively low cost (90% isopropyl cost more because of its higher alcohol content).

Always remember that in order for alcohol (or any other disinfectant) to be effective, the surface where it is being applied must be clean and dry (soil and moisture will inactivate disinfectants). Additionally, that surface should be saturated for the proper amount of time in order for disinfection to take place.

Finally, I also suggest that you download and print a copy of the CDC’s “Guideline for Disinfection and Sterilization in Healthcare Facilities 2008” (click this link). It is a great resource to have on hand and has a wealth of information on disinfectants and sterilants.

Yes, you should be disinfecting the chamber every evening using 70% isopropyl alcohol. After emptying and rinsing the chamber, dry it with a huck towel to remove excess moisture, then saturate the surface of the chamber with alcohol. If you have a small ultrasonic where you can control the emptying valve, keep the valve closed while you are doing this to keep the surface of the chamber moist with the alcohol. Let it sit saturated for at least 5-10 minutes before emptying the chamber and let it air dry. This will stop the odor problem you are having by killing the cause, which are the bacteria growing in your ultrasonic. Please only use alcohol to do this since other disinfectants, like bleach or quaternary ammonium compounds, will react with the stainless steel chamber of your ultrasonic and damage it.

Remember, you should be disinfecting all work surfaces (countertops) and re-usable cleaning brushes at the end of the day, too. 70% isopropyl alcohol is great for both surfaces and brushes: it is less expensive that other disinfectants, and will not react or leave residue on surfaces like other disinfectants can. Again, make sure these surfaces are saturated for at least 5-10 minutes. If you have a washer/disinfector, your brushes can be run in the wash cycle with a thermal rinse to clean and disinfect them too–just make sure that their manufacturer states that they can be disinfected this way before doing so.