Abstract
Background and aims. The exposure and processing of dental radiographs are not routinely associated
with the spatter of blood or saliva; however, infection control is still an issue resulting from contaminated
equipment, supplies, film packets or cassettes. This study aimed at comparing the efficacy of four commercially
available disinfectants on microorganisms present on the equipment of radiology department.
Materials and methods. Samples from twelve sites of the radiology department were collected using a
sterile swab smeared with normal saline, which was then dipped in a test tube. Experimental surfaces were
then disinfected by the spray-wipe-spray method using one of Micro 10, Deconex, Alprocid or Microzid AF
disinfectants, followed by resampling. The samples were subsequently cultured on blood agar and EMB
plates and the colonies were counted. Isolates were identified by biochemical tests. For statistical analysis,
Wilcoxon signed ranks test, Kruskal-Wallis, Chi-square and Fisher exact tests were used.
Results. Staphylococcus aureus and coagulase-negative staphylococci had the highest and Lactobacillus
spp. had the lowest prevalence before disinfection. There were significant differences between the cfu/mL of
bacteria before and after disinfection with any of the four disinfectant solutions. There was a significant difference
between efficacy of Deconex and Alprocid (P = 0.014), Deconex and Microzid AF (P = 0.001), and
Deconex and Micro 10 (P = 0.001).
Conclusion. According to the results, Deconex has the highest disinfectant efficacy compared to other
solutions.