Table 3. Epidemiologic evidence associated with the use of surface disinfectants or detergents on noncritical environmental surfaces

Justification for Use of Disinfectants for Noncritical Environmental Surfaces

• Surfaces may contribute to transmission of epidemiologically important microbes (e.g., vancomycin-resistant Enterococci, methicillin-resistant S. aureus, viruses)
• Disinfectants are needed for surfaces contaminated by blood and other potentially infective material
• Disinfectants are more effective than detergents in reducing microbial load on floors
• Detergents become contaminated and result in seeding the patient’s environment with bacteria
• Disinfection of noncritical equipment and surfaces is recommended for patients on isolation precautions by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
• Advantage of using a single product for decontamination of noncritical surfaces, both floors and equipment
• Some newer disinfectants have persistent antimicrobial activity

Justification for Using a Detergent on Noncritical Environmental Surfaces

• Noncritical surfaces contribute minimally to endemic healthcare-associated infections
• No difference in healthcare-associated infection rates when floors are cleaned with detergent versus disinfectant
• No environmental impact (aquatic or terrestrial) issues with disposal
• No occupational health exposure issues
• Lower costs
• Use of antiseptics/disinfectants selects for antibiotic-resistant bacteria (?)
• More aesthetically pleasing floor