Evaluation of organic load-related efficacy changes in antiseptic solutions used in hospitals.

Background: In this study, it was aimed to evaluate the change in antimicrobial efficacy related to the presence of the organic load of four different antiseptic solutions that are frequently used in hospitals.

Methods: Solutions of hydrogen peroxide, povidone-iodine, chlorhexidine digluconate, and ethyl alcohol were prepared, tested in terms of antimicrobial efficacy changes in the presence of organic substances, and evaluated according to EN 13727 and EN 13624 standards.

Results: Among the investigated solutions ethanol 70% solution showed the best results by providing a 5-log reduction on all test organisms without affecting by the type and concentration of organic substances. Solutions of hydrogen peroxide 3%, povidone-iodine 7.5%, and chlorhexidine digluconate 0.2% performed lower antimicrobial efficacy depending on the concentration of organic load.

Discussion: It is concluded that the antimicrobial efficacy of antiseptic solutions is significantly affected by the organic substances and thus the proper use of antiseptics has become important to achieve successful disinfection and prevention of antibacterial resistance.