Which of the following is used to disinfect the lines used by an HIV positive patient?

Question

Question

This question was previously asked in

KGMU Nursing Officer 2023 Memory-Based Previous Year Paper

Answer 1

Correct Answer: Sodium hypochlorite

Rationale:

Sodium hypochlorite is a widely recognized disinfectant used in healthcare settings for cleaning and disinfection purposes, especially in environments where infection control is critical. It is effective against a broad range of microorganisms, including viruses like HIV.
Sodium hypochlorite, commonly referred to as bleach, works by releasing chlorine, which denatures proteins and disrupts essential enzymatic and structural functions in microorganisms, rendering them inactive.
For disinfection of items and surfaces used by an HIV-positive patient, a diluted solution of sodium hypochlorite (typically 1:10 dilution of household bleach) is recommended to ensure proper sterilization and to reduce the risk of transmission of the virus.
The use of sodium hypochlorite is endorsed by health organizations like the CDC and WHO for its efficacy in inactivating bloodborne pathogens, including HIV, in clinical and home settings.

Explanation of Other Options:

Cidex solution

Rationale: Cidex is a brand name for glutaraldehyde, which is primarily used for high-level disinfection of medical instruments like endoscopes. While it is a potent disinfectant, it is not commonly used for routine surface disinfection or for items exposed to HIV-positive patients in non-instrumental settings.
Additionally, Cidex is more expensive and requires careful handling due to its toxic fumes, making it less practical for general disinfection purposes.

Lysol

Rationale: Lysol is a disinfectant that contains quaternary ammonium compounds or phenolic compounds, which are effective against a variety of bacteria and viruses. However, its efficacy against HIV specifically is not as well-documented or recommended as sodium hypochlorite.
Lysol is more commonly used for general household cleaning rather than for disinfection in medical or high-risk settings.

Dettol with Savlon

Rationale: Both Dettol and Savlon are antiseptics commonly used for personal hygiene and cleaning minor wounds. While they possess antimicrobial properties, they are not recommended for high-level disinfection of surfaces or medical equipment, especially for viruses like HIV.
These products are not as effective in breaking down viral structures as sodium hypochlorite and are more suited for skin application rather than surface disinfection in healthcare scenarios.

Conclusion:

Sodium hypochlorite is the most effective and widely recommended disinfectant for cleaning items and surfaces used by an HIV-positive patient. Its ability to inactivate the HIV virus and other pathogens makes it a key tool in infection control.
Other options like Cidex, Lysol, and Dettol with Savlon serve specific purposes but are not as effective or practical for disinfecting surfaces in HIV-related scenarios.