This study was conducted to ensure the safety of laboratory employees and minimize exposure to microorganisms or infections by using the right surface disinfectant after every shift. A sterility test was performed to detect the presence of potential microbial contaminants in the 5% BA, MCA, and saline. The common laboratory surface test microorganisms identified were Acinectobacter lwoffii and Staphylococcus Lentus. The efficacy of the disinfectants against each test organism at a 15 min contact time was determined using a quantitative suspension test. Using the agar plate method, a 0.9 McFarland suspension of test organisms was inoculated on the surface bench, and swabs were taken before and after disinfection. Sodium hypochlorite (5 %) was more potent than both 5% and 70% alcohol in the agar plate method and quantitative suspension test. Acinectobacter lwoffii (3.1McF) and Staphylococcus Lentus were completely killed by 5% Sodium Hydrochlorite within 5 min of contact. After 15 min of exposure to 5%, both test organisms survived and both tubes were still turbid when compared to the control tube (suspension of an organism without disinfectants). On the medium containing 3.4 McF and 3.1 McF suspension of test organisms with 1 ml 5%. In contrast, no growth was observed after an overnight incubation.
The outcome of this study further strengthened earlier studies and underscored the need to periodically assess the efficacy of disinfectants routinely supplied to the laboratory to ensure proper control of infections by using the right disinfectant at the right concentration for the right contact time.
