Efficacy of common decontamination techniques used in eye care facilities in Ghana

Purpose

To evaluate the efficacy of common methods used in the decontamination of non-critical and semi-critical ophthalmic equipment in Ghana.

Design

This study was conducted in two phases. First, a descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out, followed by a microbiological study

Methods

Questionnaires were distributed online to eye care practitioners. The common decontamination procedures identified from the online questionnaires were used in decontaminating the surfaces of the ophthalmic instruments. Swabs were taken from the instruments both before and immediately after decontamination (within the first 30s), as well as at 10-minute intervals up to 40 minutes after decontamination. The swabs were cultured on nutrient agar for 24 hours at 37 °C, and the contamination levels were estimated.

Results

The most commonly used disinfection technique in the selected eye clinics in Ghana was the use of Methylated spirit (34 %), and the least, Iso-alcohol swabs (1 %). All the decontamination methods were efficacious in the reduction of contamination levels on the surfaces of ophthalmic instruments. Hand sanitiser, Parazone (sodium hypochlorite), Autoclave, and UV showed highly effective decontamination activity compared to Methylated spirit, Hydrogen peroxide, and Isopropyl alcohol. There was a significant reduction in contamination for each of the time points (p < 0.001), except for 40 minutes after decontamination (p = 0.063ns), when compared to the contamination level before decontamination.

Conclusion

In Ghana, commonly used decontamination methods are effective in reducing levels of contamination of ophthalmic instruments, with their recontamination rates comparable to the use of autoclaves and UV germicidal irradiation.