Final answer:
Cleaning and disinfecting are key to infection control; they involve the use of antimicrobial agents to inactivate microbes on surfaces but do not achieve complete sterilization. Proper PPE and procedures are mandatory for handling infectious materials, and maintenance practices like air conditioning cleaning play a role in preventing biofilm growth.
Step-by-step explanation:
The process of cleaning and disinfecting surfaces is crucial in clinical and laboratory settings to prevent the transmission of infections. Disinfection involves using antimicrobial chemicals or heat to inactivate most microbes on a surface, but it does not result in sterilization as some resilient forms, such as endospores, can survive. In certain environments, such as hospitals, sanitization protocols are implemented to clean fomites and achieve levels of microbial presence that are safe for public health. Common agents used for sanitizing and disinfecting include chlorine bleach, alcohol-based compounds, and even natural products like vinegar in some cases.
Regarding safety measures, personal protective equipment (PPE) such as protective coats, face protection, and cut-resistant gloves is recommended for personnel handling potentially infectious materials. In case of contact with skin, immediate cleansing with detergent and warm water, followed by disinfecting with a basic solution like 1 N NaOH or a bleach solution, is the advised procedure.
Maintenance of equipment and facilities, such as the comprehensive cleaning of air conditioning systems to prevent biofilm growth, is also part of preventing infections. While it is not feasible to sterilize everything, choosing the appropriate level of cleaning based on the item's use and the environmental considerations is imperative to ensure safety without causing unnecessary damage or exposure to toxic substances.