Which solution is used in the COVID area for disinfection?

NORCET 2 - 2021 (shift-1)

Applied Microbiology & Infection control

Easy

Appeared in: NORCET 2 - 2021 (shift-1)

Explanation

Sodium hypochlorite is a chlorine-releasing agent, commonly known as household bleach.
It is a broad-spectrum disinfectant with potent virucidal activity, making it highly effective against enveloped viruses like SARS-CoV-2.
Health authorities worldwide recommend a 0.5% to 1% solution for disinfecting environmental surfaces in healthcare settings, especially in areas with COVID-19 patients.
It is inexpensive, fast-acting, and effective at removing organisms and biofilms from surfaces.

Option B: Glutaraldehyde is a high-level disinfectant used for sterilizing medical equipment, not for general environmental cleaning. It is toxic and requires special handling.
Option C: Phenyl (phenolic compounds) are general-purpose disinfectants but are not the first-line choice for COVID-19. They can be toxic and less effective against specific viruses compared to hypochlorite.
Option D: Ethyl alcohol is effective but is primarily used as a skin antiseptic (hand sanitizer) or for disinfecting small surfaces and delicate electronic equipment that could be damaged by bleach. It is flammable and evaporates too quickly for large surface disinfection.

Visual 1: Infographic: Chart comparing the uses, pros, and cons of Sodium Hypochlorite, Alcohol, Glutaraldehyde, and Phenyl disinfectants in a hospital setting.
Visual 2: Illustration: Step-by-step guide on how to properly dilute household bleach to create a 1% disinfectant solution.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Surface Disinfection for Viral Pathogens as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Correct selection and use of disinfectants are fundamental to infection prevention and control, directly impacting patient and healthcare worker safety by breaking the chain of transmission.
Using the wrong disinfectant or an incorrect concentration can lead to the survival of pathogens on surfaces, increasing the risk of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs).
What if? If a surface is visibly soiled with blood or body fluids, it must be cleaned with a detergent to remove the organic matter before applying the sodium hypochlorite solution, as organic material can inactivate the disinfectant.

How to Approach the Question

Identify the key elements of the question: 'COVID area' and 'disinfection'. This points to a need for a virucidal agent suitable for environmental surfaces.
Recall the standard infection control guidelines for respiratory viruses like SARS-CoV-2.
Evaluate each option based on its primary application in a healthcare setting.
Sodium hypochlorite (bleach) is widely known for broad surface disinfection.
Glutaraldehyde is for instruments, alcohol is for small surfaces/skin, and phenyl is a less common general disinfectant. Therefore, sodium hypochlorite is the most appropriate choice for disinfecting a 'COVID area'.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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