Choosing Your Disinfectants: A Guide for Clinics and Pharmacies

How to choose the right disinfectant in clinics and pharmacies?

The choice of the right disinfectant in a clinic or pharmacy is based on three key criteria: the level of infectious risk, the type of surface to be treated (surface or medical device), and compliance with NF EN standards. This guide helps you select suitable products and implement safe protocols, in accordance with the recommendations of health authorities such as the ARS.

Understanding the challenges of disinfection in clinics and pharmacies

The main objective is to prevent healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) by controlling microbial contamination. These establishments, which receive the public while carrying out healthcare activities, require strict hygiene to protect patients and staff. Rigorous disinfection is therefore a regulatory obligation and a pillar of healthcare safety.

Pharmacies, for example, manage a constant flow of potentially contagious patients on high-contact surfaces (counters, payment terminals), while maintaining critical areas such as preparation rooms at a near-medical level of cleanliness ^[S6]. Clinics, for their part, must disinfect surfaces in contact with patients as well as reusable medical devices. The importance of these procedures is such that the global market for disinfection and sterilization equipment amounts to billions of dollars, highlighting its crucial role in health ^[S7].

The different types of disinfectants and their specific uses

Disinfectants are chosen according to their spectrum of activity (bactericidal, fungicidal, virucidal, sporicidal) and their use, which depends on the level of soiling and the surface to be treated (floor, surface, medical device) ^[S2].

Detergent-disinfectant vs. simple disinfectant

A simple disinfectant acts on microorganisms after prior cleaning. A detergent-disinfectant, on the other hand, cleans and disinfects in a single step, offering significant time savings. It is ideal for lightly soiled surfaces, but separate cleaning remains essential in case of visible soiling or organic matter.

The 3 levels of disinfection according to risk

The classification of operations is based on the level of infectious risk associated with the use of the material or surface ^[S2]:

• Low-level disinfection: For non-critical surfaces and devices in contact with healthy skin (floors, walls, stethoscopes). It eliminates most bacteria and some viruses and fungi.
• Intermediate-level disinfection: For semi-critical devices in contact with mucous membranes or broken skin (certain endoscopes, thermometers). It is effective against mycobacteria, non-enveloped viruses, and fungi.
• High-level disinfection: For critical medical devices that cannot be sterilized. It destroys all microorganisms, except a large number of bacterial spores ^[S2]. Sporicidal activity is an essential criterion here.

Specialized brands such as Anios or Alkapharm offer complete ranges for every use, from surface spray to instrument soaking baths ^[S3].

Selection criteria: a decision based on risk analysis

The choice of a disinfectant must always start with a precise risk analysis. A product for the floor of a waiting room will never be suitable for an endoscope. Here are the four criteria to evaluate ^[S4].

1. The surface: Distinguishing inert surfaces and medical devices

The distinction is fundamental. Products for medical devices (MDs) are themselves MDs and must meet stricter standards, including compatibility tests with sensitive materials (polymers, metals, optics) ^[S2]. An unsuitable product can damage an expensive instrument. Disinfectants for surfaces (floors, workbenches) fall under the biocidal products regulation.

2. The risk area: Mapping the establishment

A risk mapping is essential. In a pharmacy, the counter and the payment terminal are high-contact areas, while the preparation room is a critical area ^[S6]. In a clinic, an examination room presents a much higher risk than an office. The protocol must be adapted to each area.

3. The spectrum of activity: Choosing the right target

The spectrum (bactericidal, virucidal...) must correspond to the most probable pathogens in your environment. During an epidemic, virucidal activity certified by the NF EN 14476 standard becomes a non-negotiable criterion ^[S5].

4. Application conditions: Respecting manufacturer's parameters

Efficacy is only guaranteed if the conditions validated by the standards are scrupulously respected ^[S5]. The three key parameters are:

• Contact time: The minimum duration during which the surface must remain wet for the product to act.
• Concentration: For products to be diluted, precise dosing is imperative.
• Temperature: Efficacy may vary with the use temperature.

Standards and regulations: the foundation of trust

European standards (NF EN) are your guarantee of efficacy and compliance. They prove that the product acts against reference microorganisms under conditions that simulate real use (presence of dirt, for example) ^[S5]. Compliance with these standards is a requirement of the Regional Health Agencies (ARS) during inspections ^[S6].

An effective product must claim several standards depending on the desired activity:

• Bactericidal: NF EN 13727 (instruments), NF EN 13697 (surfaces).
• Fungicidal and yeasticidal: NF EN 13624 (instruments), NF EN 13697 (surfaces).
• Virucidal: NF EN 14476. Essential against enveloped (coronaviruses) and non-enveloped viruses.
• Sporicidal: NF EN 13704. Indispensable for high-level disinfection.

Compliance goes beyond the product. The ARS require written protocols, proof of staff training, and retention of technical data sheets ^[S6]. For a more detailed analysis, consult our comparative guide on professional disinfection.

Disinfection protocols: key steps and best practices

A good disinfection protocol is a written, precise, and accessible document that guarantees reliable and traceable operations. It must detail each step, from wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) to storing products.

The fundamental steps of a protocol are:

1. Pre-cleaning: An essential step, unless you are using a detergent-disinfectant on a lightly soiled surface. Organic matter (blood, pus) can inactivate disinfectants.
2. Application of the disinfectant: Apply the product according to the recommended method (spraying, wiping) in sufficient quantity to cover the entire surface.
3. Respecting contact time: The surface must remain visibly wet for the entire duration of action indicated by the manufacturer. Wiping too early cancels the operation.
4. Rinsing (if necessary): Mandatory for surfaces in contact with foodstuffs or mucous membranes to eliminate any chemical residue.
5. Traceability: Recording the operation, product, batch, and operator in a register is good practice, often required for reusable medical devices.

Common mistakes to avoid for optimal disinfection

Some frequent errors can nullify the effectiveness of the best products and create a false sense of security.

• Forgetting pre-cleaning: Applying a disinfectant to a soiled surface is the most serious error. Organic matter neutralizes the biocide agent.
• Shortening contact time: Wiping the product before the end of the action time makes it ineffective. This is the most common error.
• Incorrect dosing: Underdosing makes the product ineffective. Overdosing does not improve performance, increases costs, and can damage surfaces.
• Using an unsuitable support: A cotton cloth can retain certain active ingredients. Prefer pre-impregnated wipes or single-use non-wovens.
• Improper storage of diluted solutions: A diluted solution has a limited shelf life (often 24 hours). Storing it beyond this can lead to contamination and loss of efficacy.

Bornova: your partner for professional disinfection solutions

Bornova is committed to providing healthcare professionals with reliable and compliant consumables. While the disinfection of surfaces and complex devices requires specific products, hygiene also involves essential gestures such as skin disinfection before an invasive procedure.

For these needs, our catalog includes ready-to-use and CE certified solutions, guaranteeing quality and safety: