The problem of biofilms in modern orthopaedic practice

Disinfectants are widely used in hospitals to decontaminate items which are unable to withstand heat or where other forms of sterilization or disinfection are impractical. In the UK, there is no register of approved products at present and no general agreement on test methodology. The selection of disinfectants is usually the responsibility of the Hospital Infection Control Team or Committee. They are advised either by the disinfectant manufacturers or by the Department of Health, Professional Societies, opinion leaders and reference centres. Choice depends primarily on efficacy, surface compatibility, cost and user safety. The properties of a range of disinfectants will be reviewed for heat sensitive equipment, e.g. endoscopes, for body fluid spills and for hygienic disinfection of hands and the skin, e.g. operation site. Emphasis will be placed on new products, automated systems and recent problematic organisms.