Operation Theatre Disinfection Methods

 Operation Theatre Disinfection Methods

Common OT Disinfection Methods:

Carbolization (Phenol Disinfection)

• Uses carbolic acid (phenol) applied to surfaces for microbial control.

• Advantages: Effective against a broad spectrum of microbes.

• Disadvantages: Toxic fumes, skin and mucous membrane irritation, carcinogenicity concerns, often replaced by safer alternatives today.

Hydrogen Peroxide Vapor/Fogging

• Vaporized or fogged hydrogen peroxide disinfects entire rooms.

• Advantages: Broad-spectrum efficacy including spores and viruses, environmentally safe (breaks down to water and oxygen), can be used remotely to reduce operator exposure.

• Disadvantages: High concentrations can be irritant; slower diffusion to some surfaces.

Aldehydes (Formaldehyde, Glutaraldehyde)

• Formaldehyde (fumigation) and glutaraldehyde (immersion for instruments).

• Advantages: High efficacy, especially for high-level disinfection.

• Disadvantages: Formaldehyde is carcinogenic and toxic, often replaced by fogging/fumigation alternatives. Glutaraldehyde requires careful handling.

Alcohol-Based Agents

• Isopropyl alcohol or ethyl alcohol is used for surface wiping.

• Advantages: Rapid action, safe residue, easy application.

• Disadvantages: Not sporicidal, flammable, and limited deep sterilisation.

Steam Sterilization

• Uses autoclaves for surgical instruments.

• Advantages: Reliable, non-toxic, no chemical residue; gold standard for instruments.

• Disadvantages: Not suitable for heat-sensitive items.

Peracetic Acid

• Used for high-level sterilisation of instruments.

• Advantages: Short contact time, effective on most pathogens.

• Disadvantages: Can be corrosive, emits a pungent odor.

Operation Theatre Disinfection Methods Comparative Summary Table

Modern OT disinfection increasingly favours safer, environmentally compatible methods (hydrogen peroxide, alcohols, steam), reserving more hazardous chemicals (phenol, formaldehyde) for exceptional situations.