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. 2025 Sep 1;78(3):e20240424.
doi: 10.1590/0034-7167-2024-0424. eCollection 2025.

Cleaning and disinfection in neonatal intensive care units: correlation of evaluation methods

[Article in English, Portuguese]
Maria Heloisa Silva  1 , Aires Garcia Dos Santos Junior  1 , André Luiz Silva Alvim  2 , Daniel de Macedo Rocha  3 , Verusca Soares de Souza  4   5 , Alvaro Francisco Lopes de Sousa  1   6
Affiliations

Cleaning and disinfection in neonatal intensive care units: correlation of evaluation methods

[Article in English, Portuguese]
Maria Heloisa Silva et al. Rev Bras Enferm. .

Abstract
in English, Spanish

Objectives: to correlate surface cleaning and disinfection monitoring methods in two neonatal intensive care units and compare threshold values for adenosine triphosphate.

Methods: a correlational study with 864 assessments was conducted using adenosine triphosphate quantification, visual inspection, aerobic colony count, Staphylococcus aureus detection, and resistance testing before and after hygiene procedures.

Results: in Unit A, correlations were found between colony count and Staphylococcus aureus on the counter (phase I; P=0.031) and between adenosine triphosphate and colony count in the incubator (phase II; P=0.001). In Unit B, a correlation was observed between adenosine triphosphate and colony count on the infusion pump (phase I; P=0.045). Threshold values for adenosine triphosphate were lower than 28 relative light units in Unit A and equal to or lower than 38 in Unit B.

Conclusions: variations were observed in the correlations and threshold values for adenosine triphosphate between the analyzed units.

Objetivos:: correlacionar los métodos de monitoreo de la limpieza y desinfección de superficies en dos unidades de cuidados intensivos neonatales y comparar los valores de corte del trifosfato de adenosina.

Métodos:: estudio correlacional con 864 evaluaciones, utilizando cuantificación de trifosfato de adenosina, inspección visual, recuento de colonias de bacterias aerobias, detección de Staphylococcus aureus y pruebas de resistencia, antes y después de los procedimientos de higiene.

Resultados:: en la Unidad A se observó correlación entre el recuento de colonias y Staphylococcus aureus en el mesón (fase I; P=0,031), y entre trifosfato de adenosina y colonias en la incubadora (fase II; P=0,001). En la Unidad B, se identificó correlación entre trifosfato de adenosina y colonias en la bomba de infusión (fase I; P=0,045). Los valores de corte del trifosfato de adenosina fueron inferiores a 28 unidades de luz en la Unidad A y menores o iguales a 38 en la Unidad B.

Conclusiones:: se observaron variaciones en las correlaciones y en los valores de corte entre las unidades analizadas.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1. Correlation between aerobic bacteria (colony-forming units) and Staphylococcus aureus on the counter (phase I), and between adenosine triphosphate (relative light units) and aerobic bacteria in the incubator (phase II) – Neonatal Intensive Care Unit A
Figure 2
Figure 2. Correlation between adenosine triphosphate (relative light units) and aerobic bacteria (colony-forming units) on the infusion pump (phase I)
Figure 3
Figure 3. Receiver operating characteristic curve for adenosine triphosphate quantification methods in relation to the microbial count gold standard
Figure 4
Figure 4. Receiver operating characteristic curve for adenosine triphosphate quantification methods in relation to the microbial count gold standard
Figura 1
Figura 1. Correlação entre bactérias aeróbias (unidades formadoras de colônia) e Staphylococcus aureus no balcão (fase I), e entre trifosfato de adenosina (unidades relativas de luz) e bactérias aeróbias na incubadora (fase II) – Unidade de Terapia Intensiva Neonatal A
Figura 2
Figura 2. Correlação entre trifosfato de adenosina (unidades relativas de luz) e bactérias aeróbias (unidades formadoras de colônia) na bomba de infusão (fase I)
Figura 3
Figura 3. Curva de característica de operação do receptor (ROC) dos métodos de quantificação de trifosfato de adenosina em relação ao padrão ouro de contagem microbiana
Figura 4
Figura 4. Curva de característica de operação do receptor (ROC) dos métodos de quantificação de trifosfato de adenosina em relação ao padrão ouro de contagem microbiana
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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