GB2618158A - Verifying decontamination procedures - Google Patents
Verifying decontamination procedures Download PDFInfo
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- GB2618158A GB2618158A GB2206358.0A GB202206358A GB2618158A GB 2618158 A GB2618158 A GB 2618158A GB 202206358 A GB202206358 A GB 202206358A GB 2618158 A GB2618158 A GB 2618158A
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- verification
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- composition according
- dyestuff
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- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 55
- 238000005202 decontamination Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 30
- 230000003588 decontaminative effect Effects 0.000 title claims abstract description 26
- 239000000203 mixture Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 165
- 238000012795 verification Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 103
- 239000000975 dye Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 34
- OSVXSBDYLRYLIG-UHFFFAOYSA-N dioxidochlorine(.) Chemical compound O=Cl=O OSVXSBDYLRYLIG-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims abstract description 26
- 239000004094 surface-active agent Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 18
- 239000002904 solvent Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 16
- KPUWHANPEXNPJT-UHFFFAOYSA-N disiloxane Chemical class [SiH3]O[SiH3] KPUWHANPEXNPJT-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims abstract description 15
- 239000003906 humectant Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 15
- 239000004155 Chlorine dioxide Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 13
- 235000019398 chlorine dioxide Nutrition 0.000 claims abstract description 13
- 230000008859 change Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 11
- 229940008396 carrot extract Drugs 0.000 claims abstract description 10
- -1 glycol ethers Chemical class 0.000 claims abstract description 10
- 150000001335 aliphatic alkanes Chemical class 0.000 claims abstract description 8
- GTJOHISYCKPIMT-UHFFFAOYSA-N 2-methylundecane Chemical compound CCCCCCCCCC(C)C GTJOHISYCKPIMT-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims abstract description 7
- NCZPCONIKBICGS-UHFFFAOYSA-N 3-(2-ethylhexoxy)propane-1,2-diol Chemical compound CCCCC(CC)COCC(O)CO NCZPCONIKBICGS-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims abstract description 7
- XMSXQFUHVRWGNA-UHFFFAOYSA-N Decamethylcyclopentasiloxane Chemical compound C[Si]1(C)O[Si](C)(C)O[Si](C)(C)O[Si](C)(C)O[Si](C)(C)O1 XMSXQFUHVRWGNA-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims abstract description 7
- SGVYKUFIHHTIFL-UHFFFAOYSA-N Isobutylhexyl Natural products CCCCCCCC(C)C SGVYKUFIHHTIFL-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims abstract description 7
- 235000012677 beetroot red Nutrition 0.000 claims abstract description 7
- 239000001654 beetroot red Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 7
- 229940100524 ethylhexylglycerin Drugs 0.000 claims abstract description 7
- VKPSKYDESGTTFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N isododecane Natural products CC(C)(C)CC(C)CC(C)(C)C VKPSKYDESGTTFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims abstract description 7
- DHHFDKNIEVKVKS-FMOSSLLZSA-N Betanin Chemical compound O[C@@H]1[C@@H](O)[C@H](O)[C@@H](CO)O[C@H]1OC(C(=C1)O)=CC(C[C@H]2C([O-])=O)=C1[N+]2=C\C=C\1C=C(C(O)=O)N[C@H](C(O)=O)C/1 DHHFDKNIEVKVKS-FMOSSLLZSA-N 0.000 claims abstract description 6
- DHHFDKNIEVKVKS-MVUYWVKGSA-N Betanin Natural products O=C(O)[C@@H]1NC(C(=O)O)=C/C(=C\C=[N+]/2\[C@@H](C(=O)[O-])Cc3c\2cc(O)c(O[C@H]2[C@H](O)[C@@H](O)[C@H](O)[C@@H](CO)O2)c3)/C1 DHHFDKNIEVKVKS-MVUYWVKGSA-N 0.000 claims abstract description 6
- 235000010208 anthocyanin Nutrition 0.000 claims abstract description 6
- 239000004410 anthocyanin Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 6
- 229930002877 anthocyanin Natural products 0.000 claims abstract description 6
- 150000004636 anthocyanins Chemical class 0.000 claims abstract description 6
- 235000002185 betanin Nutrition 0.000 claims abstract description 6
- 229930014669 anthocyanidin Natural products 0.000 claims abstract description 5
- 150000001453 anthocyanidins Chemical class 0.000 claims abstract description 5
- 235000008758 anthocyanidins Nutrition 0.000 claims abstract description 5
- LYCAIKOWRPUZTN-UHFFFAOYSA-N ethylene glycol Natural products OCCO LYCAIKOWRPUZTN-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims abstract description 5
- PEDCQBHIVMGVHV-UHFFFAOYSA-N glycerol group Chemical class OCC(O)CO PEDCQBHIVMGVHV-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims abstract description 5
- 239000007864 aqueous solution Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 4
- 235000011187 glycerol Nutrition 0.000 claims abstract description 4
- WGCNASOHLSPBMP-UHFFFAOYSA-N hydroxyacetaldehyde Natural products OCC=O WGCNASOHLSPBMP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims abstract description 4
- 150000003138 primary alcohols Chemical class 0.000 claims abstract description 4
- 150000003333 secondary alcohols Chemical class 0.000 claims abstract description 4
- 125000002091 cationic group Chemical group 0.000 claims abstract description 3
- 150000002334 glycols Chemical class 0.000 claims abstract description 3
- 239000000126 substance Substances 0.000 claims description 8
- 239000003945 anionic surfactant Substances 0.000 claims description 3
- 239000003093 cationic surfactant Substances 0.000 claims description 3
- 239000002736 nonionic surfactant Substances 0.000 claims description 3
- 229920003171 Poly (ethylene oxide) Polymers 0.000 claims description 2
- 125000002889 tridecyl group Chemical group [H]C([*])([H])C([H])([H])C([H])([H])C([H])([H])C([H])([H])C([H])([H])C([H])([H])C([H])([H])C([H])([H])C([H])([H])C([H])([H])C([H])([H])C([H])([H])[H] 0.000 claims description 2
- 125000000129 anionic group Chemical group 0.000 abstract 1
- 230000000249 desinfective effect Effects 0.000 description 11
- 230000008569 process Effects 0.000 description 10
- 239000003153 chemical reaction reagent Substances 0.000 description 9
- 239000000645 desinfectant Substances 0.000 description 8
- 238000004659 sterilization and disinfection Methods 0.000 description 8
- 238000012549 training Methods 0.000 description 6
- 230000000007 visual effect Effects 0.000 description 6
- XTEGARKTQYYJKE-UHFFFAOYSA-M Chlorate Chemical compound [O-]Cl(=O)=O XTEGARKTQYYJKE-UHFFFAOYSA-M 0.000 description 4
- 238000004140 cleaning Methods 0.000 description 4
- 241000243142 Porifera Species 0.000 description 3
- 238000001035 drying Methods 0.000 description 3
- 238000009472 formulation Methods 0.000 description 3
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 description 3
- 238000012958 reprocessing Methods 0.000 description 3
- 235000021537 Beetroot Nutrition 0.000 description 2
- 240000005605 Clitoria ternatea Species 0.000 description 2
- 235000008358 Clitoria ternatea Nutrition 0.000 description 2
- 239000002535 acidifier Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000007613 environmental effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- UKLNMMHNWFDKNT-UHFFFAOYSA-M sodium chlorite Chemical compound [Na+].[O-]Cl=O UKLNMMHNWFDKNT-UHFFFAOYSA-M 0.000 description 2
- 229960002218 sodium chlorite Drugs 0.000 description 2
- 230000007480 spreading Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000004034 viscosity adjusting agent Substances 0.000 description 2
- 240000001890 Ribes hudsonianum Species 0.000 description 1
- 235000016954 Ribes hudsonianum Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 235000001466 Ribes nigrum Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 240000008042 Zea mays Species 0.000 description 1
- 235000005824 Zea mays ssp. parviglumis Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 235000002017 Zea mays subsp mays Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 230000009471 action Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000000443 aerosol Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000013459 approach Methods 0.000 description 1
- 235000021028 berry Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 235000019209 bilberry extract Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 229940102480 bilberry extract Drugs 0.000 description 1
- 230000003749 cleanliness Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000012790 confirmation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000000356 contaminant Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000011109 contamination Methods 0.000 description 1
- 235000005822 corn Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 125000004122 cyclic group Chemical group 0.000 description 1
- 230000007812 deficiency Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000001419 dependent effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- MTHSVFCYNBDYFN-UHFFFAOYSA-N diethylene glycol Chemical compound OCCOCCO MTHSVFCYNBDYFN-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 238000007598 dipping method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000008030 elimination Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000003379 elimination reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000009408 flooring Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000006260 foam Substances 0.000 description 1
- 235000013373 food additive Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 239000002778 food additive Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000011065 in-situ storage Methods 0.000 description 1
- 208000015181 infectious disease Diseases 0.000 description 1
- 235000021579 juice concentrates Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 238000012423 maintenance Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000002245 particle Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000000843 powder Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000000523 sample Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000000243 solution Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000007921 spray Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000002604 ultrasonography Methods 0.000 description 1
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 238000009736 wetting Methods 0.000 description 1
Classifications
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61L—METHODS OR APPARATUS FOR STERILISING MATERIALS OR OBJECTS IN GENERAL; DISINFECTION, STERILISATION OR DEODORISATION OF AIR; CHEMICAL ASPECTS OF BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES; MATERIALS FOR BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES
- A61L2/00—Methods or apparatus for disinfecting or sterilising materials or objects other than foodstuffs or contact lenses; Accessories therefor
- A61L2/16—Methods or apparatus for disinfecting or sterilising materials or objects other than foodstuffs or contact lenses; Accessories therefor using chemical substances
- A61L2/18—Liquid substances or solutions comprising solids or dissolved gases
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61L—METHODS OR APPARATUS FOR STERILISING MATERIALS OR OBJECTS IN GENERAL; DISINFECTION, STERILISATION OR DEODORISATION OF AIR; CHEMICAL ASPECTS OF BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES; MATERIALS FOR BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES
- A61L2/00—Methods or apparatus for disinfecting or sterilising materials or objects other than foodstuffs or contact lenses; Accessories therefor
- A61L2/26—Accessories or devices or components used for biocidal treatment
- A61L2/28—Devices for testing the effectiveness or completeness of sterilisation, e.g. indicators which change colour
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C09—DYES; PAINTS; POLISHES; NATURAL RESINS; ADHESIVES; COMPOSITIONS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; APPLICATIONS OF MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- C09B—ORGANIC DYES OR CLOSELY-RELATED COMPOUNDS FOR PRODUCING DYES, e.g. PIGMENTS; MORDANTS; LAKES
- C09B61/00—Dyes of natural origin prepared from natural sources, e.g. vegetable sources
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C11—ANIMAL OR VEGETABLE OILS, FATS, FATTY SUBSTANCES OR WAXES; FATTY ACIDS THEREFROM; DETERGENTS; CANDLES
- C11D—DETERGENT COMPOSITIONS; USE OF SINGLE SUBSTANCES AS DETERGENTS; SOAP OR SOAP-MAKING; RESIN SOAPS; RECOVERY OF GLYCEROL
- C11D3/00—Other compounding ingredients of detergent compositions covered in group C11D1/00
- C11D3/40—Dyes ; Pigments
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
- G01N31/00—Investigating or analysing non-biological materials by the use of the chemical methods specified in the subgroup; Apparatus specially adapted for such methods
- G01N31/22—Investigating or analysing non-biological materials by the use of the chemical methods specified in the subgroup; Apparatus specially adapted for such methods using chemical indicators
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
- G01N31/00—Investigating or analysing non-biological materials by the use of the chemical methods specified in the subgroup; Apparatus specially adapted for such methods
- G01N31/22—Investigating or analysing non-biological materials by the use of the chemical methods specified in the subgroup; Apparatus specially adapted for such methods using chemical indicators
- G01N31/226—Investigating or analysing non-biological materials by the use of the chemical methods specified in the subgroup; Apparatus specially adapted for such methods using chemical indicators for investigating the degree of sterilisation
Landscapes
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
- Biochemistry (AREA)
- Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
- Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
- Organic Chemistry (AREA)
- Pathology (AREA)
- Epidemiology (AREA)
- Immunology (AREA)
- General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Biophysics (AREA)
- Molecular Biology (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Analytical Chemistry (AREA)
- Public Health (AREA)
- Wood Science & Technology (AREA)
- Oil, Petroleum & Natural Gas (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- General Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Detergent Compositions (AREA)
Abstract
A verification composition for application to a surface for decontamination, comprising an aqueous solution including: up to 50% of one or more solvents selected from primary/secondary alcohols, straight-chain/branched-chain alkanes (e.g., iso dodecane); up to 25% of a siloxane (e.g., cyclopentasiloxane); up to 15% of a surfactant (e.g., cationic, non-ionic or anionic); up to 5% of one or more humectants selected from glycerines (e.g., ethylhexylglycerin); glycols; and glycol ethers; and up to 10% of a dyestuff. The dyestuff may change colour in the presence of chlorine dioxide and may comprise an anthocyanin, anthocyanidin, or betanin (e.g., black carrot extract). Also claimed is use of the composition for verifying complete removal of the composition from a decontaminated surface. Also claimed is a method of verifying a decontamination procedure, comprising: applying to a surface the verification composition, applying the decontaminating composition to remove the verification composition, and inspecting the surface to verify that all the verification composition has been removed.
Description
VERIFYING DECONTAMINATION PROCEDURES
FIELD
This disclosure relates to a verification composition for application to a surface to be decontaminated, in particular, but not exclusively, for verifying that a substance has been applied to, or removed from, the whole of a desired area of a surface.
BACKGROUND
Within the healthcare market, decontamination procedures are widely used for disinfection and cleaning. Areas of particular importance include the reprocessing of non-lumened medical devices and environmental surface disinfection. For infection control and patient safety, it is essential that any process used for decontamination or disinfection is effective in practice, taking into account the products used for disinfection, the training and performance of the user, environmental factors, and so on. Accordingly, it is desirable to provide methods for verifying that a decontamination procedure has been performed correctly and effectively.
Unlike many other oxidising disinfectants, chlorine dioxide is typically generated at point of use by combining sodium chlorite or chlorate with an acidifier. This allows a long product shelf life without the hazards associated with shipping high strength oxidising solutions. Reprocessing of non-lumened medical devices using chlorine dioxide disinfectants may be conducted manually by the user via the application of disinfectant to the surface using a spreading medium (including but not limited to wipes, sponges, gloves). This manual approach has multiple advantages compared to automated processes, such as: * lower capital investment; * reduced space requirements; * flexibility of location of use; * elimination of service and maintenance provision.
Automated processes are also not practical for the disinfection of other surfaces, such as floors, walls, work surfaces and so on. -2 -
A drawback of manual decontamination processes is that effective disinfection relies exclusively on the user adhering to not only the user instructions but also ensuring that all parts of the surface to be treated are adequately covered in disinfectant with enough to ensure that the drying time is longer than the contact time.
Against that background, it would be desirable to provide means for verifying that the application of a substance to a surface in a decontamination procedure has been performed correctly.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Aspects of the invention are specified in the independent claims. Preferred features are specified in the dependent claims.
Disclosed herein is a verification composition for application to a surface to be decontaminated, the composition comprising an aqueous solution including: - up to 50% of one or more solvents selected from the group consisting of primary alcohols; secondary alcohols; straight chain alkanes; and branched chain alkanes; -up to 25% of a siloxane; - up to 15% of a surfactant; - up to 5% of one or more humectants selected from the group comprising glycerines; glycols; and glycol ethers; and - up to 10% of a dyestuff.
The verification composition, when applied to the surface, allows a user to visually identify the presence of the verification composition. The verification composition can be applied to the surface using an applicator and/or procedure prescribed in a decontamination process, and the coverage of the surface with the verification composition after application can readily be checked. Similarly, the verification composition can be removed from a surface using an applicator or procedure required in a decontamination process, and any remaining verification composition -3 -will show regions of the surface from which the verification composition has not been successfully removed. The verification composition can therefore act as a training aid and/or a compliance aid.
The dyestuff may undergo a colour change upon exposure to a decontaminating composition, such as a disinfectant. Preferably, the dyestuff undergoes a colour change in the presence of chlorine dioxide. In this case, when used with a chlorine dioxide disinfectant composition, the verification composition can additionally provide verification that chlorine dioxide is present. The dyestuff may for example comprise an anthocyanin, an anthocyanidin or a betanin dyestuff. In one embodiment, the dyestuff comprises black carrot extract. The composition may comprise up to 5% of the dyestuff.
The surfactant may comprise one or more cationic, non-ionic or anionic surfactants. 15 For example, the surfactant may comprise polyoxyethylene tridecyl ether. Preferably, the verification composition comprises up to 5%, more preferably up to 1.25%, of the surfactant.
The verification composition may comprise up to 25%, preferably up to 12.5%, of 20 the solvent. The solvent may comprise iso dodecane.
The verification composition may comprise up to 12.5% of the siloxane. The siloxane may comprise cyclopentasiloxane.
The verification composition preferably comprises up to 0.25% of the humectant.
The humectant may comprise ethylhexylglycerin.
The verification composition may comprise between 10% and 20% iso dodecane as the solvent, between 10% and 20% cyclopentasiloxane as the siloxane, between 1% and 5% polyoxyethylene tridecyl as the surfactant, between 0.1% and 1% ethylhexylglycerin as the humectant, and between 1% and 5% black carrot extract as the dyestuff. -4 -
Also disclosed is a combination of a verification composition as described above and a container, wherein the container comprises a dispenser operable to deliver a predetermined quantity of the verification composition. With this arrangement, the amount of a substance required to adequately cover a surface can be estimated by determining how much of the verification composition must be dispensed to cover the surface.
Also disclosed is the use of a verification composition as described above for verifying the complete application of the composition to a surface to be decontaminated, and the use of a verification composition as described above for verifying the complete removal of the composition from a surface during decontamination Also disclosed is a method of verifying a decontamination procedure in which the decontamination procedure comprises applying a decontaminating composition to a surface using an applicator, the method comprising, before applying the decontaminating composition, applying to a whole area of the surface a verification composition as described above, applying the decontaminating composition to the surface using the applicator, such that application of the applicator to the surface removes the verification composition, and inspecting the surface to verify that all of the verification composition has been removed. When the decontaminating composition comprises chlorine dioxide and the dyestuff of the verification composition undergoes a colour change in the presence of chlorine dioxide, the method may further comprise, after applying the decontaminating composition to the surface, inspecting the applicator to verify that the colour change has occurred.
Also disclosed is a method of verifying a decontamination procedure in which the decontamination procedure comprises using an applicator to apply a substance to a surface, the method comprising applying to the applicator a verification composition as described above, applying the verification composition to the surface using the applicator, and inspecting the surface to verify that the verification -5 -composition is present on the whole of the surface to be decontaminated.
The verification composition can also be used as a visual indicator to identify that a surface is in a dirty or unknown state to avoid potential contamination events.
The verification composition is preferably in the form of a gel or viscous liquid, and may be applied to a surface by any suitable means, including wiping using a wipe, sponge, gloved hand, or other applicator; mopping; dipping and so on. The verification composition may be formulated for delivery by an aerosol or spray.
The verification composition and associated methods are particularly suitable for use in healthcare settings where cleaning and/or disinfection is required. Areas of use may include medical surfaces (such as in a patient bed space area), invasive and non-invasive medical devices (including ultrasound probes, endoscopes, nasendoscopes and so on), flooring and walls, janitorial applications, and training and compliance aids.
Throughout this specification, the amount of a component in a composition, expressed as a percentage, is a reference to the percentage by weight (i.e. 20 weight/weight or wt/wt).
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which like reference signs are used for like features, and in which: Figure 1 is a flowchart showing steps in a prior art process for decontaminating a surface, for example of a medical device; Figure 2 is a flowchart showing a method of verifying that a substance has been applied correctly to a surface; -6 -Figure 3 is a schematic illustration of the method of Figure 2 being peformed; Figure 4 is a flowchart showing a method of verifying that a substance has been removed correctly from a surface; and Figure 5 is a schematic illustration of the method of Figure 4 being performed.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Figure 1 describes a prior art decontamination procedure using a system of a type known for example from WO 2005/107823 Al. Such a system comprises a plurality of pre-clean wipes contained within individual sachets, a two-part disinfecting wipes system, and a plurality of rinse wipes, again contained within individual sachets. The disinfecting wipes system comprises a dispenser containing a first reagent and a plurality of disinfecting wipes impregnated with a second reagent and contained within individual sachets, whereby a disinfecting composition can be prepared by dispensing the first reagent onto the disinfecting wipe to mix with the second reagent. The first and second reagents react to form a disinfecting composition. For example, chlorine dioxide can be generated using a first reagent comprising sodium chlorite or chlorate and a second reagent comprising an acidifier.
In a first step 101, the pre-cleaning composition is prepared by removing a pre-clean wipe from its sachet. In a second step 102, the pre-cleaning composition is applied to the surface to be cleaned by wiping the surface with the pre-clean wipe. In this way, the pre-clean wipe can be used to remove major contaminants, such as fluids or particles, from the surface.
In a third step 103, the decontaminating composition is prepared, by first removing a disinfecting wipe from its sachet, and then dispensing a quantity of the second reagent onto the wipe from the dispenser (for example as a foam). The wipe is then folded and scrunched to mix the reagents and generate the liquid disinfecting -7 -composition in-situ in the wipe.
In a fourth step 104, the decontaminating composition is applied to the surface by wiping the surface with the activated disinfecting wipe, to coat the surface with the liquid decontaminating composition. Then, in a fifth step 105, the user waits for a prescribed contact time, to allow the decontamination composition to dwell on the surface for long enough to be effective in chemically disinfecting the surface.
In a sixth step 106, a rinsing composition is prepared by removing a rinse wipe from its sachet. In a seventh step 107, the rinsing composition is applied to the surface by wiping the surface with the rinse wipe. The rinse wipe is used to remove any residual decontaminating composition from the surface to prepare the surface for its next clinical use.
In the decontamination procedure of Figure 1, effective disinfection or decontamination with the decontaminating composition, and effective use of the pre-clean and rinse wipes, rely upon several steps being correctly performed. For example, in the fourth step 104, it is important that the decontaminating composition is applied to the whole surface to be decontaminated, without leaving areas not wetted by the decontamination composition. One object of the present invention is to provide a verification method, and associated verification composition, for validating whether this requirement has been met by a user performing at least step 104 of the procedure of Figure 1.
In one aspect, the present invention provides a composition, referred to as a verification composition, which when applied to a surface provides a visual indication of the extent to which the verification composition has covered the surface. The visual indication is provided by the presence of a dyestuff that renders the verification composition visible to the user.
Broadly, the verification composition can be used for verifying steps in a decontamination procedure in two main ways, which can be applied independently -8 -or in combination.
In a first process, shown in Figures 2 and 3, the verification composition is used as an analogue for a decontaminating composition (for example a pre-clean composition, disinfecting composition or rinse composition) that must be applied to the surface using an applicator (such as a wipe, mop sponge, gloved hand etc.) as part of the procedure. Figure 3(a) shows the surface 10, the applicator 12 (in this case a wipe), and a container 14 containing the verification composition 16 and having a dispenser 18, such as a pump dispenser, for dispensing the verification composition 16.
The verification composition 16 is applied to the surface 10 using the applicator 12 in the same manner as is prescribed in the decontamination procedure, so that the verification composition 16 is transferred to the surface 10 in the same way as would occur for the decontaminating composition in the decontamination process.
Accordingly, in a first step (201 in Figure 2), the verification composition 16 is applied to the applicator 12 using the dispenser 18. In a second step (202 in Figure 2), the applicator 12, now carrying the verification composition 16 (Figure 3(b)), is used to apply the verification composition 16 to the surface 10 as described above (Figure 3(c)). The surface 10, now covered with the verification composition 16 (Figure 3(d)) can then be inspected (step 203 in Figure 3), with the verification composition 16 revealing where the composition has or has not been applied. Any areas that are not covered by the verification composition 16 will not exhibit the colour of the dyestuff, and can be readily identified. If no such areas are identified then it can be verified that use of the prescribed applicator 12 and application method is suitable for applying the decontaminating composition to the surface 10. If such missed areas are identified, then deficiencies in the application process can be identified and addressed accordingly, for example by training and/or revising the instructions for the process.
In a second process, shown in Figures 4 and 5, the verification composition 16 is -9 -first applied to all areas of the surface 10 to be decontaminated using a suitable applicator or by hand (step 301 in Figure 4), and the surface 10 is inspected to ensure that all of the desired areas are covered by the verification composition 16 (see Figure 5(a)). Then, the applicator 22 (e.g. a wipe) used to apply the decontaminating composition 24 is applied to the surface 10 (step 302 in Figure 4) in the manner prescribed in the decontaminating procedure, optionally with the decontaminating composition 24 pre-applied to the applicator 22 as shown in Figures 5(a) and 5(b). The applicator 22 removes the verification composition 16 from the surface 10, as shown in Figure 5(c), and the verification composition 16 is transferred to the applicator 22. After use of the applicator 22, the surface 10 can be inspected (step 303 in Figure 4) to reveal any areas in which the verification composition 16 has not been removed, indicating that the applicator 22 did not sufficiently cover those areas. Again, if no such missed areas are identified, the suitability of the prescribed applicator 22 and application method has been verified.
If missed areas are identified, appropriate corrective action can be taken.
The dyestuff used in the verification composition may exhibit a colour change upon exposure to an active component in a decontaminating composition. For example, the dyestuff may be oxidised in the presence of a disinfectant, so that the dyestuff loses its colour. In such cases, when the verification composition is removed from a surface using a wipe that carries the decontaminating composition, as shown in Figure 5, the wipe can be inspected subsequently (step 304 in Figure 4) to check that the verification composition that has been transferred to the wipe has undergone the colour change (Figure 5(d)), verifying the presence of the decontaminating composition on the wipe.
When used in the way described in Figures 4 and 5, the verification composition 16 can act as a compliance aid. The surface 10 is first fully covered with the verification composition 16 and then removed with the wipe 22 carrying the decontaminating composition 24. Compliance is achieved when all of the verification composition 16 has been removed, indicating that the wipe 22 has contacted all of the areas of the surface.
-10 -It will be appreciated that using one or both of the processes described in Figures 2 to 5, the verification composition can be used as a training aid during training of users, to ensure that the technique employed by a user in covering a surface when using an applicator is sufficiently thorough to adequately contact all of the necessary areas of the surface.
The verification composition can also be used to determine, at least semi-quantitatively, the volume of a substance required to adequately cover the surface in a particular application. In particular, the dispenser 18 of the container 14 for the verification composition 16 can be configured to dispense a known volume of the verification composition 16 when operated. In this way, the number of operations of the dispenser 18 required to provide enough verification composition 16 to cover the surface 10 can be counted and converted to a volume that represents the expected volume of decontaminating composition that will be required to adequately cover the surface.
A further use of the verification composition is as a visual indicator of non-clean status. The verification composition can be applied partly or wholly to a surface, such as a medical device, to provide a clear visual indicator that the device or other surface requires decontamination and/or other reprocessing before it can be used again. Used in this way, the verification composition can be helpful in reducing the risk of a device being left in an unverified state with regards to cleanliness and suitability of use, for example in a busy clinical setting with multiple users.
The verification composition used in the above processes contains a combination of one or more surfactants, one or more solvents, one or more siloxanes, one or more humectants and one or more dyestuffs, in an aqueous solution.
The solvent component enhances drying of the verification composition on the surface after application. The solvent may be one or a combination of primary alcohols, secondary alcohols, straight chain alkanes and branched chain alkanes.
Preferably, the solvent comprises straight chain and/or branched chain alkanes. More preferably, the solvent is iso dodecane. The composition preferably comprises up to 50%, more preferably up to 25%, and most preferably up to 12.5% of the solvent.
The siloxane component enhances adhesion of the verification component to the surface, enhances spreadability, and reduces roll up. The siloxane component is preferably one or more of a straight chain, cyclic or branched siloxane. Most preferably, the siloxane is cyclopentasiloxane. The corn position preferably comprises up to 25%, more preferably up to 12.5% of the siloxane.
The surfactant component reduces surface tension of the composition and enhances spreading and wetting on the surface. Additionally, the surfactant thickens the formulation and acts as a viscosity modifier. The surfactant may be one or more of a non-ionic surfactant, a cationic surfactant, and an anionic surfactant. A particularly suitable surfactant is polyoxyethylene tridecyl ether. The composition preferably comprises up to 15%, more preferably up to 5%, and most preferably up to 1.25% of the surfactant.
The humectant component modifies the drying behaviour, thickens the formulation and acts as a viscosity modifier. The humectant may be one or more of a glycerine, glycol, and glycol ether. Preferably, the humectant comprises ethylhexylglycerin. The composition preferably comprises up to 5%, and more preferably up to 0.25% of the humectant.
The dyestuff component provides a visual indicator that allows confirmation that the surface has been covered. Preferably, the dyestuff undergoes a colour change in the presence of the decontaminating composition concerned. For example, the dyestuff may be oxidised in the presence of an oxidising disinfectant. In one example, which is particularly useful when the decontaminating composition is a two-part system in which first and second parts react together to form a chlorine dioxide decontaminating composition, the dyestuff is an anthocyanin, anthocyanidin -12 -or betanin dyestuff, which undergo a colour change from a distinctive purple or red colour to colourless in the presence of chlorine dioxide.
Suitable dyestuffs are described in the present applicant's International Patent Application No. WO 2022/013543 Al, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. The dyestuff may for example be an anthocyanin dyestuff selected from the group consisting of: black carrot extract, purple carrot extract, haskapa berry extract, and blackcurrant extract. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the dyestuff comprises Black Carrot Extract (an anthocyanin dyestuff, also referred to as Antho Black Carrot Extract or AnthoCarrot). Examples of anthocyanidin dyestuffs that may be suitable for use include bilberry extract and blue pea extract (clitoria ternatea). Suitable betanin dyestuffs may be referred to as E162 food additives. Examples of betanin dyestuffs that may be suitable for use include red beetroot powder and beetroot juice concentrate.
The composition preferably comprises up to 5% of the dyestuff.
An example verification composition has the formulation: iso dodecane (solvent) 12.5% polyoxyethylene tridecyl ether (surfactant) 1.25% cyclopentasiloxane (siloxane) 12.5% ethylhexylglycerin (humectant) 0.25% black carrot extract (dyestuff) 4% The balance of the composition is water.
Further modifications and variations not explicitly described above can also be contemplated without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.
Claims (21)
- -13 -CLAIMS1. A verification composition for application to a surface to be decontaminated, the composition comprising an aqueous solution including: -up to 50% of one or more solvents selected from the group consisting of primary alcohols; secondary alcohols; straight chain alkanes; and branched chain alkanes; - up to 25% of a siloxane; - up to 15% of a surfactant; -up to 5% of one or more humectants selected from the group comprising glycerines; glycols; and glycol ethers; and - up to 10% of a dyestuff.A verification composition according to Claim 1, wherein the dyestuff undergoes a colour change in the presence of chlorine dioxide.
- A verification composition according to Claim 1 or Claim 2, wherein the dyestuff comprises an anthocyanin, an anthocyanidin or a betanin dyestuff.
- A verification composition according to Claim 3, wherein the dyestuff comprises black carrot extract.
- A verification composition according to any preceding claim, comprising up to 5% of the dyestuff.
- A verification composition according to any preceding claim, wherein the surfactant comprises one or more cationic, non-ionic or anionic surfactants.
- A verification composition according to Claim 6, wherein the surfactant comprises polyoxyethylene tridecyl ether.
- A verification composition according to any preceding claim, comprising up 2. 4. 6. 7. 8.
- -14 -to 5%, preferably up to 1.25%, of the surfactant.
- 9. A verification composition according to any preceding claim, comprising up to 25%, preferably up to 12.5%, of the solvent.
- 10. A verification composition according to any preceding claim, wherein the solvent comprises iso dodecane.
- 11. A verification composition according to any preceding claim, comprising up to 12.5% of the siloxane.
- 12. A verification composition according to any preceding claim, wherein the siloxane comprises cyclopentasiloxane.
- 13. A verification composition according to any preceding claim, comprising up to 0.25% of the humectant.
- 14. A verification composition according to any preceding claim, wherein the humectant comprises ethylhexylglycerin. 20
- 15. A verification composition according to Claim 1, comprising: - between 10% and 20% iso dodecane as the solvent; - between 10% and 20% cyclopentasiloxane as the siloxane; - between 1% and 5% polyoxyethylene tridecyl as the surfactant; -between 0.1% and 1% ethylhexylglycerin as the humectant; and - between 1% and 5% black carrot extract as the dyestuff.
- 16. In combination, a verification composition according to any preceding claim and a container, wherein the container comprises a dispenser pump operable to deliver a predetermined quantity of the verification composition.
- 17. Use of a verification composition according to any one of Claims 1 to 15 for -15 -verifying the complete application of the composition to a surface to be decontaminated.
- 18. Use of a verification composition according to any one of Claims 1 to 15 for verifying the complete removal of the composition from a surface during decontamination.
- 19. A method of verifying a decontamination procedure in which the decontamination procedure comprises applying a decontaminating composition to a surface using an applicator, the method comprising: before applying the decontaminating composition, applying to a whole area of the surface a verification composition according to any one of Claims 1 to 15; applying the decontaminating composition to the surface using the applicator, such that application of the applicator to the surface removes the verification composition; and inspecting the surface to verify that all of the verification composition has been removed.
- 20. A method according to Claim 19, wherein the decontaminating composition comprises chlorine dioxide and the verification composition is in accordance with any one of Claims 2 to 4, the method further comprising: after applying the decontaminating composition to the surface, inspecting the applicator to verify that the colour change has occurred.
- 21. A method of verifying a decontamination procedure in which the decontamination procedure comprises using an applicator to apply a substance to a surface, the method comprising: applying to the applicator a verification composition according to any one of Claims 1 to 15; applying the verification composition to the surface using the applicator; and -16 -inspecting the surface to verify that the verification composition is present on the whole of the surface to be decontaminated.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB2206358.0A GB2618158A (en) | 2022-04-29 | 2022-04-29 | Verifying decontamination procedures |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB2206358.0A GB2618158A (en) | 2022-04-29 | 2022-04-29 | Verifying decontamination procedures |
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| Publication Number | Publication Date |
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| GB202206358D0 GB202206358D0 (en) | 2022-06-15 |
| GB2618158A true GB2618158A (en) | 2023-11-01 |
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| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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| GB2206358.0A Pending GB2618158A (en) | 2022-04-29 | 2022-04-29 | Verifying decontamination procedures |
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Citations (5)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WO2006105193A2 (en) * | 2005-03-29 | 2006-10-05 | C2C Technologies Llc | Personal care compositions with color changing indicator |
| US20090176673A1 (en) * | 2008-01-09 | 2009-07-09 | Reveal Sciences, Llc | Color-changing cleansing compositions and methods |
| US20120085931A1 (en) * | 2010-10-08 | 2012-04-12 | Ecolab Usa Inc. | Fluorescing gel formulations and their applications |
| US20160002525A1 (en) * | 2014-07-01 | 2016-01-07 | Ecolab Usa Inc. | Use of fluorescent polymers in marking compositions for the diagnostic determination of cleaning performance |
| WO2022013543A1 (en) * | 2020-07-13 | 2022-01-20 | Tristel Plc | Two-part disinfectant system comprising a colour indicator |
-
2022
- 2022-04-29 GB GB2206358.0A patent/GB2618158A/en active Pending
Patent Citations (5)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WO2006105193A2 (en) * | 2005-03-29 | 2006-10-05 | C2C Technologies Llc | Personal care compositions with color changing indicator |
| US20090176673A1 (en) * | 2008-01-09 | 2009-07-09 | Reveal Sciences, Llc | Color-changing cleansing compositions and methods |
| US20120085931A1 (en) * | 2010-10-08 | 2012-04-12 | Ecolab Usa Inc. | Fluorescing gel formulations and their applications |
| US20160002525A1 (en) * | 2014-07-01 | 2016-01-07 | Ecolab Usa Inc. | Use of fluorescent polymers in marking compositions for the diagnostic determination of cleaning performance |
| WO2022013543A1 (en) * | 2020-07-13 | 2022-01-20 | Tristel Plc | Two-part disinfectant system comprising a colour indicator |
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| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| GB202206358D0 (en) | 2022-06-15 |
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