The website of the Clinical Services Journal

Advantages of quaternary ammonium compounds

There is considerable evidence that contaminated surfaces and the untreated hands of healthcare professionals contribute to the spread of nosocomial pathogens within the hospital setting.

Tim Sandle discusses the advantages of quaternary ammonium compounds for ward disinfection and infection control. 

Healthcare‐associated infections present a serious and ever-present source of morbidity and mortality. Within the hospital setting, the risk needs to be addressed through an effective infection control strategy, which must include surface cleaning and disinfection, glove disinfection, and hand sanitisation. These measures should be observed by healthcare professionals for the personal hygiene, decontamination of the ward and for treating equipment and surfaces in-between patients. With the latter step, this is additionally important since many patients will be asymptomatic carriers of infectious agents. While many of the microorganisms against which these measures are targeted will not pose a risk to the general populace under normal circumstances, risks exist should these organisms enter the blood or tissues and there are enhanced concerns with immunocompromised patients.

Central to the infection control strategy is the selection and use of an appropriate disinfectant.1 An ideal disinfectant will have a broad spectrum of activity and a relatively short contact time.2 A suitable disinfectant, which meets these objectives, is a blend of quaternary ammonium compounds. As an additional advantage, formulations can be supplemented with detergents to improve cleanability.

Log in or register FREE to read the rest

This story is Premium Content and is only available to registered users. Please log in at the top of the page to view the full text. If you don't already have an account, please register with us completely free of charge.
Register

Upcoming Events

Central Sterilising Club - Annual Scientific Meeting 2024

Crowne Plaza at Gerrard’s Cross
15th April 2024 – 16th April 2024

DECON UK 2024

National Conference Centre, Birmingham
17th April 2024

Infection Prevention & Control

National Conference Centre, Birmingham
23rd - 24th April 2024

Theatres & Decontamination Conference 2024

Coventry Building Society Arena
16th May 2024

The AfPP Roadshow - Birmingham

Millennium Point, Birmingham
18th May 2024

The AfPP Roadshow - Exeter

University of Exeter
22nd June 2024

Access the latest issue of Clinical Services Journal on your mobile device together with an archive of back issues.

Download the FREE Clinical Services Journal app from your device's App store

Upcoming Events

Central Sterilising Club - Annual Scientific Meeting 2024

Crowne Plaza at Gerrard’s Cross
15th April 2024 – 16th April 2024

DECON UK 2024

National Conference Centre, Birmingham
17th April 2024

Infection Prevention & Control

National Conference Centre, Birmingham
23rd - 24th April 2024

Theatres & Decontamination Conference 2024

Coventry Building Society Arena
16th May 2024

The AfPP Roadshow - Birmingham

Millennium Point, Birmingham
18th May 2024

The AfPP Roadshow - Exeter

University of Exeter
22nd June 2024

Access the latest issue of Clinical Services Journal on your mobile device together with an archive of back issues.

Download the FREE Clinical Services Journal app from your device's App store

Step Communications Ltd, Step House, North Farm Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN2 3DR
Tel: 01892 779999
www.step-communications.com
© 2024 Step Communications Ltd. Registered in England. Registration Number 3893025