An electrostatic disinfection system is a technology used to manually clean medical equipment. It has been shown to provide effective disinfection of heat-sensitive medical devices. A description of the device is given below, followed by some examples of its applications in clinical practice. Discussion about its disadvantages can also be found in this article.
Description Of The Device:
The main components are the following: a) one or more generators producing high voltage alternating current (AC); b) three electrodes consisting of stainless steel plates, which are used to produce the electric field; c) a water supply system for wetting of devices to be treated; d) one or more metallic baskets containing the medical instruments that are intended for disinfection.
The generators provide the voltage necessary for ‘electrical direct contact’ (EDC). The electrodes are always moistened before using distilled water to reduce the electrical resistance at the surface. The devices treated must be placed inside an electrically conductive basket, filled with distilled water, and linked to ground through all its metal parts. Inside this basket, the devices come into close contact with each other so that they can be simultaneously electrocuted.
Technical Characteristics Of An Electrostatic Disinfection System:
The generators must produce a voltage of at least 10,000 volts (10kV) AC with a current of 1-2 amperes. The electrodes must be at least 2 cm apart, and the distance between the generator and the electrodes should not exceed 3 meters. The output of the electrostatic disinfection system should not exceed 0.5 microamperes per square centimeter.
Examples Of Clinical Applications:
The most common applications are in dentistry, where they can be used for disinfection of dental impressions, dental prostheses, and other devices that come into contact with human saliva. It has also been shown to be effective in the disinfection of endoscopes and other medical devices used in the gastrointestinal tract.
Disadvantages:
The use of an electrostatic disinfection system does have some disadvantages. One is that it can be difficult to place the electrodes in close contact with all of the surfaces of the device being treated. This can lead to some areas not being effectively disinfected. Another disadvantage is that it can be difficult to maintain the equipment in clean and sanitary conditions.
Despite these disadvantages, using an electrostatic disinfection system provides a quick and effective way of disinfecting medical equipment. It is easy to use and does not require any special training. It is also relatively inexpensive when compared to other forms of disinfection.
