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Disinfection and sterilization practices in Mexico
M Zaidi1, M Angulo, J Sifuentes-Osornio
1Departamento de Investigación, Hospital General O'Horán, Merida, Yucatan, Mexico.
The Journal of Hospital Infection
|September 1, 1995
Summary
Hospital infection control in Mexico is lacking, with many facilities failing to follow standard antisepsis, disinfection, and sterilization procedures. Urgent improvements in regulations and training are needed to prevent patient harm from inadequate practices.
Area of Science:
- Healthcare quality and safety
- Infection prevention and control
- Medical microbiology
Background:
- Antisepsis, disinfection, and sterilization are critical for preventing healthcare-associated infections.
- Adherence to established protocols is essential for patient safety.
- Previous assessments of these practices in Mexico are limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the adherence to standard recommendations for antisepsis, disinfection, and sterilization procedures in hospitals in Yucatan, Mexico.
- To identify common errors and deficiencies in these critical healthcare processes.
- To highlight the need for improved regulatory oversight and training programs.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study was conducted in 22 hospitals in Yucatan, Mexico.
- Data were collected on adherence to standard protocols for various antisepsis procedures (e.g., surgical scrub, catheter care).
- Sterilization practices for surgical instruments, linen, prostheses, and endoscopes were assessed, along with autoclave monitoring and disposable device reuse.
Main Results:
- Adherence to standard antisepsis recommendations varied widely, with low rates for surgical scrub (41%) and umbilical cord care (5%).
- Adequate sterilization of sharp surgical instruments (9%) and endoscopes (30%) was poor, with common errors including insufficient exposure times and use of inappropriate agents like benzalkonium chloride.
- Only 14% of hospitals used spore tests for autoclave monitoring, and 50-94% inappropriately reused disposable devices.
Conclusions:
- Significant deficiencies exist in antisepsis, disinfection, and sterilization practices in Yucatan hospitals, posing a risk of healthcare-associated infections.
- Inappropriate use of chemicals (benzalkonium chloride, mercury compounds) and inadequate sterilization times were prevalent issues.
- There is an urgent need for strict regulations, comprehensive training programs, and improved oversight for disinfection, sterilization, and the reuse of disposable medical devices in Mexico.