Evaluation of Three Surface Friction Techniques for the Removal of Organic Matter

Abstract

The objective of this study was to assess the effectiveness of three surface friction techniques for the removal of organic material. A quantitative, descriptive and exploratory study was developed to evaluate the presence or not of organic material before and after the cleaning and disinfection process of surfaces of bedside tables of patients hospitalized at an Intensive Care Unit. Three friction techniques were executed in the one-way, two-way and centrifugal sense, individually, three times on each table, during alternate weeks. For each patient unit and friction technique, a single table and three sides of cloth were used, moistened with 70% (w/v) alcohol. The organic matter was detected through the presence of adenosine triphosphate by bioluminescence, using 3M(tm) Clean-Trace(tm) ATP Systems. For each technique, 13 samples were collected before and 13 after the cleaning/disinfection process, totaling 78 samples of adenosine triphosphate by bioluminescence. No statistically significant difference was found among the removal techniques of organic matter. This study demonstrated that none of the three surface friction methods was better than the other to remove organic matter. Nevertheless, further research is needed in which other cleaning/disinfection indicators and surfaces are considered.

Avaliação Da Eficiência Da Limpeza E Desinfecção De Superfícies Em Uma Unidade Básica De Saúde

“…Another aspect to be considered pervades the issue of the amount of friction to be exerted during the surface cleaning process. 35 Considering that the quality of the cleaning process can be influenced by the pressure exerted by the professionals during its execution (and in spite of this friction activity being an action practically impossible to measure for each individual), during phase II this issue was intensely stressed, and during phase III, in practice, it was again intensified with feedback. 36 Moreover, the inadequacy of the cleaning process can often be related to the fact that the team does not actually remove the dirt, but redistributes the microorganisms on the surface.…”