Sanosil disinfectants in the microbiology, medical and pharmaceutical laboratory

The significance of the lab hygiene plan for professional cleaning and disinfection using laboratory disinfectants

Laboratory disinfectants should be a part of a hygiene plan. The existence of and compliance with a hygiene plan serves to ensure personal safety and protect health. The hygiene plan reflects the awareness that infectious microorganisms must be handled with caution. Its consistent implementation prevents potentially dangerous pathogens from escaping into the environment.

In addition, from an environmental perspective, the appropriate use of detergents and a lab disinfectant should be considered. For these reasons, it must be possible to document both the existence of a hygiene plan and its implementation when regulatory authorities carry out inspections.

General recommendations for using laboratory disinfectants

• Never apply laboratory disinfectants without cleaning first (exception: using disposable wipes which combine detergent and disinfectants used in pharma)

• Only use cold water to create a lab disinfectant solution (to avoid vapour which irritates the mucosa).

• Ensure the correct dosage or concentration for application of a disinfectant lab microbiology.

• Always wear protective gloves when cleaning or disinfecting (to prevent allergies developing) with disinfectants used in pharmaceutical industry.

• Where possible, wipe instead of spray – always try to prevent cross-contamination

• Observe exposure times / contact times.

• After wiping down areas with laboratory disinfectants, only use them once the disinfectants in laboratories have dried.

Creating a hygiene plan for cleaning and disinfecting in pharmaceutical / laboratory settings

The hygiene plan is the relevant instrument for standardising all hygiene measures in the laboratory. To create a hygiene plan, it is advisable to identify critical points in the system and target them with countermeasures, much like an HACCP concept does.

This way, many sources of contamination can be eliminated with laboratory disinfectants via organisational measures designed to prevent contamination and the spread of microorganisms; for example, by changing shoes or establishing hygiene locks.

Example of a plan containing hygiene measures in laboratories and pharmaceutical settings

The following questions provide structure and are well-suited for a laboratory hygiene plan.

WHAT: area, device, item, instrument
WHEN: how often, at which time
WITH WHAT: which lab disinfectant / detergent, sanitizing agents in pharmaceuticals, equipment
HOW: application, cleaning method
OTHER: particulars, special information

Example:
What: side table in lab room 512, surface
When: after each use
With what: SanoClean AR disinfectants used in microbiology laboratory, undiluted
How: ready-to-use damp disposable wipe, wipe down surface thoroughly. Do not rinse
Other: not a substitute for thorough weekly cleaning.