Cleaning hospital room sinks

Drains can be breeding grounds for pathogens


Hospital sink drains, which can be breeding grounds for antibiotic-resistant pathogens, should be cleaned every three to five days  with a mixture of hydrogen peroxide, octanoic acid and peroxyacetic acid foam, according to an article on the Infection Control Today website.

A recent study by Medical College of Wisconsin researchers compared the effects of two disinfectants on colony-forming units.  

The study aimed to determine the ideal frequency of sink drain disinfection and to compare the effectiveness of two hydrogen peroxide disinfectants. 

“Based on our results, relative affordability and easiness of application, regular application of a mixture of hydrogen peroxide, octanoic acid, and peroxyacetic acid foam (every 3–5 days) should be considered in settings where there is concern that sink drains are acting as reservoirs of resistant pathogens,” the study stated.  

Read the article.



February 27, 2020


Topic Area: Environmental Services


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