EFHSS Questions and Answers - Question Q00274

dear Sirs

i want to find more information of how to disinfect and sterilize the goods which used by SARS patients.In China,most of hospitals use chemical disinfection/sterilization. It causes heavy pollution.Can we use another methods? how to protect both working staff and environment?

the solid goods including:

1. surgical instruments
2. bowls
3. bed
4. mattress
5. bed pan
6. transport trolleys

thanks in advance
best regards

Wayne Xu
Getinge International AB ?China Office)

Dear Wayne

For SARS Infection Control in Healthcare Settings the standard procedures or regulations for handling contaminated (aerosol-generating/infectious) material including staff protection, should be followed. To decontaminate the items on your list hospital grade disinfectants or 1:100 dilution of household bleach (5.25% - 6%) and water for surface cleaning and disinfection (sterilization of surgical instrument after cleaning/disinfection as usual).

For more information visit:

• the SARS website of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):
  www.cdc.gov/ncidod/sars/
• the World Health Organization website:
  www.who.int/csr/sars/
• Interim Australian Infection Control Guidelines for Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrom: www.health.gov.au/sars/guidelines/sars1.htm

Best regards
Josy Holdener

There are two other useful SARS Info-sites from Canada:
Ontario Nurses' Association: www.ona.org/sars/index.html
SARS: What you can do to protect yourself / SARS Infection Control Guidance for Health Care Workers.
And: www.sars.gc.ca

Josy Holdener