Abstract
This study aimed to evaluate the survival rate of microorganisms within different antiseptic formulations - povidone-iodine (PVP-I) and chlorhexidine (CHX) - after intentional contamination, and to establish the minimum care necessary to ensure sterilization of non-disposable antiseptic solution containers. A laboratory study was performed with 180 antiseptic containers, which were contaminated with Serratia marcescens [1 x 105 UFC/mL]. The containers were closed and stored, at room temperature, during seven days and shaken daily. The antiseptic cultures were evaluated to be 100% negative to Serratia marcescens in all of the non-disposable containers. These results suggested that antiseptic solutions inactivate microorganisms [1 x 105 UFC/mL]. Since cleaned antiseptic containers have around 102 UFC coming from tap water, it can be inferred that cleansing is a safe minimum procedure to ensure reuse of containers for distribution of CHX and PVP-I solutions in aqueous, detergent and alcoholic formulations.
Highlights
IntroductionAntiseptics are anti-microbial substances used on skin and mucosa to reduce bacterial counts[1]
Antiseptics are anti-microbial substances used on skin and mucosa to reduce bacterial counts[1].Attempts to use these agents to prevent infections and reduce their complications originated in Hippocrates’ time
Reports found in the literature regarding antiseptic products infected by microbiological contamination are a cause of concern for professionals in the area of infection control related to health care, because these contaminations have been the cause of outbreaks in hospitals[1,2]
Summary
Antiseptics are anti-microbial substances used on skin and mucosa to reduce bacterial counts[1]. Attempts to use these agents to prevent infections and reduce their complications originated in Hippocrates’ time. Despite uncertainties regarding microbiological resistance to biocides, concentrations currently used in health services are considerably higher that the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) of bacteria able to grow in antiseptic solutions[10]. The contamination of these solutions is mainly associated to exogenous causes. Inadequate storage and failure in keeping the stability of the product formulation can partially contribute to the apparent contamination found in practice[11]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
