What’s New in Room Decontamination in the Intensive Care Unit?

Abstract

The environment plays a central role in the transmission of hospital-acquired pathogens. Current cleaning methods are microbiologically ineffective. Improvements in environmental cleaning are associated with a decrease in the rate of hospital-acquired infections. To improve terminal cleaning, automated room disinfection systems containing hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) are more and more considered. Two technologies are available: aerosolization and vaporization. Dry-H₂O₂ vaporization is microbiologically efficient (in vitro and in situ). Its use is associated with endemic colonization and outbreak control. H₂O₂ aerosolization effectiveness is still in assessment. Evidence is lacking to recommend others technologies (ultraviolet, ozone, chlorine dioxide, steam, high-efficiency particulate air-filtration, ultra microfiber, copper-based biocide). All methods are associated with extra-cost and longer waiting-time between two admissions. Safety for healthcare workers is not proved.