A recent study in the American Journal of Infection Control assessed the effectiveness of nondisposable, disinfection wipes in clinical areas. The environmental disinfection procedures of 8 MRSA-positive hospitalized patients in 2 orthopedic wards were evaluated and 56 pre- and postdisinfection samples from the bed rails as well as pre- and postuse wipes samples were collected.
The average MRSA loads on the bed rails before and after disinfections were 4.4 colony-forming units (cfu)/cm2 and 0.4 cfu/cm2. The mean difference of MRSA survival detected on the wipes after each wiping ranged from 0.13 to 0.42 log.
So disinfection wipes can reduce yet not eliminate MRSA on inanimate surfaces. With use, the wipes themselves can concentrate MRSA and can become potential vectors for cross transmission, especially if they are not thoroughly rinsed between use.
Disinfection is tricky business. Perhaps disposable wipes would serve better.
