The Effect of Deconex 53 Plus and Sayasept HI Disinfectants on the Contamination of Semi-Critical Equipment in Prehospital Emergency Ambulances

Background and Objective: Given the working environment and conditions of prehospital emergency personnel and their contact with patients, the community, hospitals, and other healthcare workers, ambulance environments and equipment are prone to contamination and subsequent transmission to patients and the community. This study aimed to investigate the effect of Deconex 53 Plus and Sayasept HI disinfectants on the contamination of semi-critical equipment in prehospital emergency ambulances (Ilam province, Iran). Materials and Methods: This experimental study was conducted on semi-critical equipment in ambulances belonging to 30 emergency centers. Using convenience sampling, four semi-critical items were randomly selected from each ambulance, including laryngoscopes, Magill forceps, oxygen masks and connectors, and AMBU bags. To identify bacteria, Gram staining was performed, and samples were observed under a microscope. Bacteria were then classified based on Gram type and morphology and cultured on selective and differential media. Then susceptibility tests were conducted using the two disinfectants, Sayasept HI and Deconex 53 Plus. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 25. Results: A total of 120 samples were collected, of which 61.7% showed positive cultures. Staphylococcus epidermidis was the most frequently isolated organism (25.8%). The highest contamination rate (28.4%) was observed in laryngoscopes. The mean inhibition zone diameter for Deconex 53 Plus was significantly larger than Sayasept HI. Additionally, for all equipment and microorganisms, the inhibition zone diameter for Deconex 53 Plus was significantly larger than Sayasept HI. Conclusion: Deconex 53 Plus was found to be significantly more effective than Sayasept HI in eliminating all isolated microorganisms and decontaminating all semi-critical equipment evaluated in this study. It is recommended that Deconex 53 Plus be prioritized for disinfecting semi-critical ambulance equipment.