Effect of sterilization on environmental surfaces using ion-less hypochlorous acid water

Abstract

Nosocomial infection mainly derives from contacting the microorganisms spread from environmental surfaces and the medical devices. To prevent and control hospital infections from the circumstances, this study aimed to evaluate the sterilization effect of an ion-less hypochlorous acid water. We compared with no hand wiping (control), hand wiping and hand wiping plus sprayed hypochlorous acid water. We investigated the bacteriocidal effects of 12 points in the dialysis center (165m3) (Bed side/ dialysis equipment monitor, bed mat, side table, Nurse station/ PC keyboard, mouse, and work desk) using a contact plate method. As a result, the hypochlorous acid water significantly reduced bacterial colony forming units (CFU) on the surfaces of various places than those of hand wiping method (p<0.05). There were fluctuations in the density of the bacteria in the hand wiping group. The hypochlorous acid water showed a broad-spectrum virucidal activities. We concluded that this hypochlorous acid water was useful and applicable for disinfection of the various places’ surfaces and is a key method of controlling the spread of nosocomial infection.