MICROBIOLOGIC CONSIDERATIONS - DISINFECTION AND STERILIZATION STRATEGIES AND THE POTENTIAL FOR AIRBORNE TRANSMISSION OF BLOODBORNE PATHOGENS

This article reviews the principles of disinfection and sterilization practiced in health-care settings and the potential for airborne trans mission of bloodborne pathogens. Emphasis is placed on hepatitis B vir us and HIV. A review of those factors necessary for environmentally me diated infection transmission to occur as well as the types oi evidenc e that document such transmission is included. Methods used in hospita ls for disinfection and sterilization are described as well as the lev els of antimicrobial activity associated with liquid chemical germicid es.