Objective To evaluate the disinfection efficacy of plasma air disinfection machines in the dynamic hospital environment and to analyze the correlation between airborne colony counts and bioaerosol concentration along with influencing factors. Methods The natural sedimentation method and aerosol monitors were employed to measure airborne bacterial colony counts and aerosol concentrations in two groups of hospital wards—one equipped with plasma air disinfection devices and the other without. A multivariate linear regression analysis and correlation analysis were conducted to examine the relationship between airborne bacterial colony counts and aerosol concentrations in the experimental and control groups. Results After disinfection, the airborne colony count in the test group (2.66 ± 0.74) cfu/(plate · 5 min) was significantly lower than that in the control group (4.74 ± 2.59) cfu/(plate · 5 min) (P< 0.05). Correlation analysis revealed a positive correlation between airborne colony counts and the total bioaerosol concentration (r= 0.170, P< 0.05), with a significant association specifically with particles≥2.5 µm in diameter (P< 0.001). Factors such as window ventilation, use of other respiratory medical devices, total number of people in the ward, and toilet usage showed statistically significant effects on airborne colony counts (P< 0.05). Room temperature, mask-wearing rate in the ward, and toilet usage might influence the concentration of bioaerosols in the air (P< 0.05). Conclusion The application of a plasma air disinfector under dynamic hospital operating conditions demonstrates certain disinfection efficacy. Routine monitoring of aerosol concentration, particularly bioaerosol concentration, is beneficial for assessing the transmission risk of airborne pathogenic microorganisms.
Objective To study the disinfection effect of compound plant essential oil disinfectant, and to conduct an in-depth analysis of its bactericidal performance and influencing factors. Methods The suspension quantitative bactericidal experiment was used to observe the bactericidal effect of the compound plant essential oil disinfectant, and the effects of temperature, pH, and organic matter on disinfection were determined. Results The plant essential oil compound disinfectant, when diluted at a ratio of 1︰30 and allowed to act for 10 minutes, achieved an average log reduction value of >5.00 against both Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. The presence of more than 25% calf serum in the bacterial suspension significantly reduced the bactericidal efficacy. Variations in temperature and pH also had a notable impact on the bactericidal effect.Within the temperature range of 10℃ to 40℃, the bactericidal efficacy increased with rising temperature. In the pH range of 4.5 to 8.5, the bactericidal effect enhanced as the pH increased. Conclusion The compound plant essential oil disinfectant has good germicidal efficacy. However, organic disturbance, temperature and pH have obvious influence on the bactericidal effect of plant essential oil compound disinfectant.
Objective To analyze the drug resistance characteristics of carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (CRAB) isolates from the intensive care unit (ICU) versus non-ICU settings, and to investigate the relationship between the carriage of qac genes and susceptibility to commonly used clinical disinfectants. Methods PCR was used to detect carbapenem resistance-related genes and disinfectant resistance-related genes in 86 clinical CRAB isolates. The drug resistance rates to antimicrobial agents, as well as the positive rates of antimicrobial resistance genes and disinfectant resistance genes, were compared between ICU and non-ICU isolates. Results Among the 86 CRAB isolates, the number of strains resistant to tigecycline was the lowest (n=7). The resistance rate to tigecycline in ICU-derived CRAB isolates was 12.28%, while non-ICU isolates were sensitive to tigecycline. The MIC value of benzalkonium bromide against ICU-derived CRAB isolates was significantly higher than that against non-ICU isolates (P < 0.05). The blaOXA-23 gene was carried by 97.67% of the CRAB isolates, while 47.67% and 25.58% of the isolates carried the qac∆E1 and qacE genes, respectively. There was no statistically significant difference in the positive rates of the qac∆E1 and qacE genes between ICU and non-ICU isolates (P > 0.05). The MIC values of benzalkonium bromide and chlorhexidine gluconate for qacE-positive strains were significantly higher than those for qacE-negative strains (P< 0.05). Conclusion CRAB isolates from the hospital ICU setting exhibits higher resistance to both antimicrobial agents and disinfectants compared to non-ICU isolates. Areas with qacE-positive CRAB strains should consider using higher concentrations of disinfectants.
Objective To investigate the contamination levels of air, environmental surfaces, and healthcare workers' hands in the outpatient infusion room of a convalescent institution, and to provide a scientific basis for optimizing disinfection strategies and reducing infection risks. Methods From January to December 2024, samples were collected twice monthly from the air, environmental surfaces, and healthcare workers' hands in the treatment area, waiting area, and medication preparation area of the infusion room. Sampling covered spring, summer, autumn, winter, as well as morning, noon, and evening periods. A total of 1,416 samples were collected, and bacterial and fungal colony counts were detected to analyze differences across areas, seasons, and time periods. Results Dynamic monitoring throughout the year yielded 648 air samples, 648 environmental surface samples, and 120 hand samples. The qualification rates for colony counts were 97.92%, 91.67%, and 87.50%, respectively. Colony counts in the waiting area, during summer, and at noon were significantly higher than those in other areas, seasons, and time periods (P< 0.05). Conclusion Infection control in the infusion room generally meets standards; however, the waiting area, summer season, and noon periods represent vulnerable points that require strengthened disinfection in high-frequency areas, dynamic monitoring, and enhanced hand hygiene management.
Objective To systematically evaluate the application value of ATP method in hospital environmental cleaning quality monitoring, and to provide evidence-based support for establishing standardized environmental monitoring systems. Methods Dynamic monitoring was conducted on environmental surfaces in medium- to high-risk areas of a tertiary hospital in Hubei province from 2018 to 2022. Paired samples were collected from post-disinfection and in-use surfaces, and the ATP method was used to determine pass rates based on relative light unit (RLU) values. Results A total of 731 environmental surface samples were monitored over five years. The overall pass rate increased from 62.11% to 85.23% during the monitoring period. The pass rate of post-disinfection surfaces was significantly higher than that of in-use surfaces ( χ2=8.631, P=0.003). Among different surface types, telephones/mobile phones, various handles, and computer keyboards/mice showed lower pass rates and were identified as major microbial contamination risk points. Conclusion The ATP method enables real-time quantitative assessment and visual data feedback, which can accurately identify weaknesses in cleaning and disinfection.
Objective To investigate the cleaning and disinfection efficacy of disinfectant wipes on the object surfaces of comprehensive dental treatment equipment, and to provide the theoretical evidence for prevention and control nosocomial infection. Methods Object surface samples were collected from dental units across 25 campuses of municipal hospitals in Beijing. Rapid detection methods were employed to assess the level of surface contamination. The cleaning and disinfection efficacy was evaluated after using disposable disinfectant wipes containing quaternary ammonium compounds. Results A total of 900 samples were collected from the comprehensive dental treatment equipment, including 450 samples contaminated by high splash treatment, and 450 samples after cleaning and disinfection. After the high splash treatment, the qualified rate of the contaminated object surfaces was 64.89%, among which the qualified rate of the spittoons (37.33%) was lower than other points. After cleaning and disinfection, the qualified rate of the object surfaces increased to 90.00%, the qualified rate of the patient’s armrests (both sides) was the lowest (82.67%), and the qualified rate of the operating table and panel (doctor’s side) was the highest (94.67%). Conclusion The disinfectant wipes can effectively clean and disinfect the object surfaces of the comprehensive dental treatment equipment. Medical institutions should strengthen the management of the cleaning and disinfection process of comprehensive dental treatment equipment, and pay attention to the dental water lines and high-frequency contact points of patients.
Objective To investigate the current situation and influencing factors of hand hygiene quality among kindergarten staff in a certain city, and to provide the strategies for the development of quality control measures for hand hygiene in kindergartens. Methods Hand hygiene of staff in 24 kindergartens was sampled on site and basic data of each staff was collected. The results were analyzed by univariate analysis and logistic multivariate regression analysis. Results A total of 246 hand hygiene samples were collected, and the total qualified rate was 69.92%. The results of univariate analysis showed that there was statistical significance on the difference in the quality of hand hygiene among staff of different nature of kindergartens, frequency of training, faucet water discharge method, hand washing method and time (P<0.05). Multivariate analysis showed that the frequency of training, faucet water discharge method and washing time were independent factors affecting the hand hygiene of kindergarten staff (P<0.05). Conclusion The level of hand hygiene of kindergarten staff in this city needs to be improved, and targeted intervention measures should be continuously taken for the hand hygiene work of kindergarten staff.
Objective To understand the hygiene status of dental unit water lines (DUWL) in medical institutions in Jiangmen City. Methods A self-designed questionnaire was utilized for survey administration, while on-site samples of dental treatment-related water—including triple-syringe spray water, mouth rinse water, and source water—were collected for laboratory testing. Results A total of 430 oral healthcare water samples were collected. Among these, 256 samples showed total bacterial counts ≤100 cfu/mL, yielding a qualification rate of 59.53%. The total bacterial counts across samples ranged from 0 to 34,000 cfu/mL. Statistically significant differences (P < 0.05) were observed in qualification rates among water samples of different purposes, varying service durations and ages of dental unit waterlines (DUWLs), and different water supply methods. Specifically, the qualification rates were 53.81% for triple-syringe spray water, 41.67% and 41.49% for inlet and outlet water of reservoir bottle-fed source water, respectively, and only 8.57% for water samples from DUWLs in use for less than one year. Conclusion The total bacterial count in the water for oral diagnosis and treatment of DUWL in medical institutions in Jiangmen City is serious over-limit. Appropriate disinfection methods should be adopted to improve the hygiene quality of water for oral diagnosis and treatment.
Objective To investigate the awareness of disinfection knowledge among healthcare workers in a rehabilitation and recuperation center and to evaluate the disinfection efficacy at the center from 2021 to 2024. Methods A questionnaire survey was conducted among 126 healthcare workers at the center to assess their mastery of disinfection-related knowledge, attitudes toward learning disinfection knowledge, and implementation of disinfection-related practices. Simultaneously, samples were collected and monitored from indoor air, object surfaces, healthcare workers' hands, in-use disinfectant solutions for sterilized medical devices, therapy water, and disinfected endoscopes. Results A total of 126 valid questionnaires were collected, with a disinfection knowledge awareness rate of 68.25%. A total of 4,921 samples were collected, with an overall qualification rate of 90.45%. Among these, the qualification rates for endoscopes, sterilized medical equipment, and therapy water ranked the top three, at 93.44%, 93.01%, and 91.29%, respectively. The qualification rates for air and healthcare workers' hands were relatively low, at 89.68% and 88.22%, respectively. Conclusion The disinfection efficacy at the center is generally satisfactory, but healthcare workers' knowledge of disinfection needs to be strengthened.
Objective To understand the current status of cleaning and disinfection of flexible endoscopes in medical institutions in Shaanxi Province, so as to standardize the reprocessing procedures. Methods An on-site investigation was conducted across 42 medical institutions in the province to document the types of disinfectants used and the methods of cleaning and disinfection. Endoscopes reprocessed with different disinfectants and final rinse water were sampled on-site, and the results were statistically analyzed after culturing and colony counting. Results A total of 230 endoscopes from 42 medical institutions in 8 cities were monitored, with an overall qualification rate of 95.65%. This included 112 gastroscopes (94.6% qualified), 93 colonoscopes (96.8% qualified), and 25 bronchoscopes (96.0% qualified). Among the samples, 187 were from tertiary hospitals (95.7% qualified) and 43 from secondary hospitals (95.3% qualified). No statistically significant difference was observed in the qualification rates among the five disinfectants tested: ortho-phthalaldehyde, glutaraldehyde, peracetic acid, chlorine-based compounds, and electrolyzed oxidizing water (χ2=1.152, P >0.05). The highest qualification rate was observed for the combined manual and automated cleaning method (100%), while the lowest was for fully automated cleaning only (84.6%), with the difference being statistically significant (χ2=7.323, P <0.05). A total of 56 samples of final rinse water were collected, showing a qualification rate of only 62.5%, with severely elevated microbial counts. The qualification rates for final rinse water from tertiary and secondary hospitals were 61.9% and 64.3%, respectively, with no statistically significant difference (χ2=0.025, P >0.05). Conclusion While the monitoring results indicate a high qualification rate for endoscope disinfection in Shaanxi Province, the low qualification rate of final rinse water highlights the need to strengthen process evaluation of endoscope reprocessing in addition to disinfection efficacy assessment.
Objective In order to grasp the current situation and existing problems of medical waste management in various small medical institutions. Methods A questionnaire-based survey was conducted to evaluate medical waste management practices across 31 small medical institutions in 16 districts and counties of Chongqing Municipality. The study aimed to identify the predominant challenges in the current management system and propose strategic recommendations for its enhancement. Results Small medical institutions produced less waste, mainly infectious waste. The waste production coefficient of village clinics and general clinics were 0.03 kg/ people, respectively. The waste production coefficient of specialist clinics and community health stations was 0.16 kg/ people and 0.11 kg/ people. Medical waste disposal fees of small medical institutions are mainly monthly or annual fees, among which village clinics are mainly handed over to superior medical institutions for centralized disposal. Conclusion The common problem in the management of medical waste in various types of small medical institutions is mainly the delayed collection and transportation of medical waste. In addition, there are serious problems with non-standard storage facilities for medical waste, non-standard classification of medical waste, and non-standard disinfection of medical wastewater in village clinics, general clinics, and specialist clinics. It is suggested to formulate guidelines for standardized management of medical waste in small medical institutions, strengthen training on medical waste management in small medical institutions, strengthen supervision and inspection, improve the collection, transportation and disposal capacity of medical waste, and reduce the risk of medical waste disposal in small medical institutions.
Objective To explore the infection status and risk factors related to ventilator, central venous catheter, and urinary catheter indwelling in the neurosurgical intensive care unit (NICU) from 2021 to 2023, and to provide a basis for formulating effective prevention and control measures. Methods Targeted surveillance was conducted on hospitalized patients in the NICU of a certain hospital from January 2021 to December 2023, and the incidence of nosocomial infections, pathogen distribution, and related risk factors were analyzed. Results A total of 685 discharged patients from the NICU of a certain hospital were monitored, and the total usage days of the three catheters were 6 964 days. The incidence of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) was 8.6 per thousand, while the incidence of central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABCI) was 6.59 per thousand, and the incidence of catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI) was 3.55 per thousand. Pathogens were mainly Gram-negative bacteria. The main risk factors included patient age, length of hospital stay, and indwelling time of the three catheters. Conclusion The incidence of three-catheter-related infections in the neurosurgical intensive care unit is relatively high. Comprehensive prevention and control measures should be taken according to risk factors to reduce the incidence of infections.
Objective To understand the current situation of disinfection in kindergartensin Wuhan, and to provide a scientific basis for further guiding and improving the disinfection quality and supervision of childcare institutions in Wuhan. Methods From 2019 to 2023, the disinfection quality of all types of kindergartens at all levels in 7 old urban areas and 7 new urban areas of Wuhan was monitored through on-site sampling. Results Over a five-year period, a total of 33 289 samples were collected from childcare facilities, of which 32 233 met the hygiene standards, yielding an overall average qualification rate of 96.83%. The qualification rate for air samples was the lowest at 94.69%. A statistically significant increasing trend in the overall qualification rate was observed with higher classification levels of the childcare facilities (χ2trend= 80.696, P<0.001). Furthermore, the qualification rates for both air (χ2=23.335, P<0.05) and object surfaces (χ2=38.692, P<0.001) were significantly higher in facilities located in old urban areas compared to those in new urban areas. Conclusion The disinfection quality of kindergartens in Wuhan is generally good, and it is necessary to strengthen the guidance, training and supervision of disinfection technology in low-level and new urban childcare institutions.
Objective To systematically evaluate the disinfection evaluation indicators for dental medical institutions in Shenyang, providing a theoretical basis and practical reference for constructing a scientific and rational disinfection evaluation index system. Methods A questionnaire on disinfection evaluation indicators for dental medical institutions in Shenyang was designed and distributed to professionals engaged in hospital infection management in dental clinics. Each indicator in the questionnaire was scored using a 5-point Likert scale. Statistical analysis was conducted on the participants' engagement level, concentration of opinions, and consensus degree to assess the disinfection evaluation index system for dental medical institutions in Shenyang. Results The constructed evaluation index system included 5 first-level indicators, 17 second-level indicators, and 84 third-level indicators. The mean importance scores of the third-level indicators ranged from 4.67 to 4.95, with coefficients of variation ranging from 0.05 to 0.17. The importance degree of the indicators ranged from 0.93 to 0.99, and the conformity degree ranged from 0.84 to 0.98. The conformity degrees of seven indicators—bed-to-infection control personnel ratio, records of improvements, digital information system for disinfection supply, provision of personal protective equipment, water for instrument cleaning and disinfection, installation of microfilters at water inlet points of dental units, and compressed air treatment—were all below 0.9. Conclusion The disinfection evaluation index system constructed for dental medical institutions in Shenyang demonstrates scientific validity and practical applicability.
Objective To compare the efficacy of disinfecting disposable disinfectant wipes with other disinfecting methods in object surface wiping of medical institutions based on network Meta-analysis. Methods Two researchers independently searched Chinese and English databases with a search deadline of April 15, 2024, independently screened the literature and extracted data according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, the outcome was qualified rate of disinfection,and network Meta-analysis was performed using STATA software. Results A total of 25 studies were included. The network meta-analysis indicated that at 30 minutes post-disinfection, wiping with 500 mg/L chlorine-containing disinfectant demonstrated a significantly higher qualification rate compared to wiping with 75% ethanol (OR=2.10, 95% CI = 1.16-3.82; P<0.05). No statistically significant differences in qualification rates were observed among other disinfectant types or application methods, such as between quaternary ammonium salt-based disinfectant wipes and wiping with 500 mg/L chlorine-containing disinfectant (OR= 1.36, 95% CI = 0.78-2.40; P >0.05). Among the results obtained at 1 h and 2 h after disinfection, there was no significant difference in the qualified rates of disinfection among all disinfection methods compared with each other. Conclusion Disinfection wipes with various ingredients demonstrate comparable efficacy to other disinfection methods, including wiping with chlorine-based disinfectants and 75% ethanol, meeting the surface disinfection requirements for medical facilities.
