Abstract
PURPOSE: The walls, ceiling, and floor of a surgical environment, as well as the surfaces used in this place, must be submitted to a disinfection protocol to minimize nosocomial infections. Health regulations recommend two stages; the first is characterized by cleaning procedures, mainly using an enzymatic detergent, and the second is use of a disinfection agent. Ozone is a natural substance that has a relevant oxidative property for inactivating microorganisms and has emerged as an interesting agent in the hospital environment. Compared with conventional chemical products for disinfection, ozonated water has advantages such as a lack of storage control, disposal, and handling safety. The objective of this study was to use ozonated water as a disinfectant agent on a hospital metal surface, in comparison with 70% alcohol. METHODS: The degree of disinfection of the metal surface was quantitatively analyzed with use of an instrument by bioluminescence for a disinfection test. RESULTS: Qualitative terms indicated gram-positive cocci microorganisms and yeasts, suggesting that bacteria and fungi from the environment were identified. After the use of ozonated water as a disinfectant, the quantitative analysis indicated values below 100 RLU, showing evidence of a surface suitable for use in surgical procedures. CONCLUSION: The use of ozonated water as a disinfectant agent for a metal surface in a hospital environment showed more effectiveness than 70% alcohol. Thus, ozonated water is a promising agent for disinfecting surfaces in surgical environments.