Disinfection - general information
What is disinfection?
Deactivation and reduction in number of pathogens transmitting diseases to such an ex-
tent that the transmission of diseases and infection is no longer to be anticipated.
Thermal disinfection
Thermal disinfection is carried out by the action of a defined temperature over a holding
time. In the list, according to § 18 of the German infection control legislation, this is 90 °C
over 10 min or 85 °C over 15 min. With a load-to-liquor ratio of 1–4 to 1–5 with the activity
range AB (see "Disinfection process according to areas of impact").
The thermal disinfection is independent of the detergent used, which does not have to be
classified.
Chemo-thermal disinfection
Chemo-thermal disinfection differs from thermal disinfection by a lower liquor temperature
during the disinfection phase. A compensation for the low temperature is ensured by the
correspondingly listed washing and disinfecting components.
It is important that these products are used exactly according to the listings. The liquor
temperature, the load-to-liquor ratio and the time of dispensing must be strictly adhered to.
For disinfection wash programmes there are two lists in which the necessary process para-
meters with regard to cleaning agents and disinfectants are listed.
RKI list (Robert Koch Institute)
Describes procedures for disinfection according to § 18 German infection control legisla-
tion. These processes are only required when a health authority prescribes the use of dis-
infection in the event of the outbreak of an epidemic relating to a notifiable, transferable
disease where there is a risk of items being contaminated. The RKI lists thermal disinfec-
tion processes as well as chemo-thermal methods.
Disinfection process according to areas of impact
Disinfection procedure is divided into areas of impact A, B and C.
- Area of impact A:
Suitable for the destruction of vegetative germs, including mycobacteria, mould fungi
and fungal spores.
- Area of impact B:
Suitable for deactivating viruses.
- Area of impact C:
To deactivate anthrax spores.
In the event of officially directed disinfection, the first drainage of liquor may not be dis-
charged until after disinfection has been carried out.
en - Programme summary
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