Quality of the sanitizing and antiseptic products used in public hospitals

Abstract

This study assessed the quality of sanitizing and antiseptic products used in public hospitals, considering their relevant role in controlling and preventing infections. The present study derived from the São Paulo City Monitoring Program analyzed 54 products, being 47 contained in the original sealed flasks, and seven which were previously diluted at the hospitals.Twenty six detergent and disinfectant samples were analyzed on microbiological parameters, pH, and active agent contents; and 25 antiseptic products and three sterilizers were assessed on the active agent contents only. Five disinfecting samples in original containers did not comply with the legislation in force in relation to active agent contents, absence of antimicrobial action and/or labeling. Among the diluted disinfecting products, no antimicrobial action was found in 60% samples. Of 13 detergent products, 30.8% showed microbial contamination, and three of them were contaminated with Pseudomonas spp. The antiseptic and detergent products showed to be satisfactory in the other parameters. It is noteworthy to evidence that the publication on data derived from the sanitary products monitoring programs is scarce in Brazil.