Efficacy and the use of chlorine dioxide in medical setting

Objectives: Chlorinated compounds are frequently used in healthcare settings and form an integral part of infection control for many years. Chlorine dioxide has been used in industries on a large scale. Recently a newly developed slow release noncorrosive chlorine dioxide disinfectant has been recommended for use as a surface disinfectant on a small scale. This study compared the antimicrobial properties of chlorine dioxide solution and the chlorine releasing disinfectant sodium dichloroisocyanurate. Methods: Standard quantitative suspension tests were used to determine the antimicrobial property of two disinfectants against S. aureus, P. aeruginosa, S. mutans, C. albicans, M. tuberculosis, M. avium subsp avium and Hepatitis B virus. In addition shelf-life of the disinfectant solutions was determined. Results: Both disinfectants killed S. aureus, P. aeruginosa, S. mutans, C. albicans, M. tuberculosis, M. avium subsp avium and Hepatitis B virus within 30 seconds in the presence of organic material. B. subtilis spores were killed in 2 minutes by the chlorine solution and 2.5 minutes by sodium dichloroisocyanurate. When prepared solutions of both disinfectants were stored in screw cap bottles they retained their activity for at least 27 days. Conclusions: The results indicate that noncorrosive chlorine dioxide is as effective as sodium dichloroisocyanurate disinfectant and can be used as surface disinfectants and sterilants in medical and dental surgeries.