A review of COEfect MinuteWipes and MinuteSpray

Appropriate infection control procedures must be performed to ensure patient and team safety. Following the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines for infection control can prevent or reduce the risk of disease transmission to patients and DHCP. The Organization for Safety, Asepsis and Prevention (OSAP) recommends classifying clinical surfaces into three categories: touch surfaces, such as chair switches, dental instruments, equipment controls and handles, dental materials, drawer handles, containers, computers, pens, and telephones; transfer surfaces, including surfaces touched by contaminated instruments and handpiece holders and instrument trays; and splash, spatter and droplet surfaces, which are primarily countertops. 

Spray disinfectants and pre-moistened disinfectant wipes are available for surface cleaning and both are equally effective as a broad-spectrum disinfectant specifically designed for use in dental facilities. The first spray pre-cleans to remove surface residue and reduce contaminants, allowing the second spray to effectively disinfect. Following the preliminary cleaning step, an adequate amount of disinfectant should be applied so the surface remains wet for the manufacturer’s required contact time. Always read the product label and follow its instructions for use.

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When using disinfectant wipes, use one wipe to pre-clean the surface thoroughly, then discard. Use a second wipe to disinfect. This two-step process should be performed every time to prevent compromising. Depending on the microorganisms and other factors (e.g., humidity and temperature), pathogens can survive on surfaces for extended periods of time. Laboratory studies show that HBV remains viable on surfaces for at least one week at room temperature in dried blood, while Mycobacterium tuberculosis can survive for multiple weeks.

COEfect™ MinuteWipes and MinuteSpray

Long recognized as a pioneer in infection control, GC America’s COEfect™ MinuteWipes and MinuteSpray provide reliable and consistent infection protection for discerning dental professionals.

COEfect MinuteWipes can be used to effectively clean and disinfect dental operatories, sterilization bays and other potentially contaminated areas in less time compared to products with longer “kill rates” or outdated formulations.
This one step, laboratory-tested surface disinfectant features an ethanol-base, low-toxicity and a non-fragrance. The larger 9 inch by 7 inch size and unique polyester nonwoven spunlace material combine to effectively spread the disinfectant solution and absorb excess bioburden, making it ideal for infection control protocol. COEfect MinuteSpray can also be used to clean and disinfect contaminated surfaces, instruments and equipment in dental operatories. With a one-minute “kill time” for 25 pathogens, the spray also features an ethanol base and low toxicity. When used in combination with COEfect MinuteWipes, or by itself, COEfect MinuteSpray is an effective component of dental practice infection control protocol.

CPS assistant evaluation

The CPS evaluation team, consisting of 10 practices, received four canisters of the COEfect MinuteWipes and MinuteSpray by GC America. Each dental assistant used the COEfect Minute Wipes & Minute Spray in more than 300 infection control procedures and were all first-time users. All assistant evaluators stated they use both wipes and sprays for disinfection. When asked what was most important to them in a surface disinfectant, all reported kill time and smell.

The evaluation team commented that the COEfect MinuteWipes have heavy perforations in three areas. Connection for the wipes are at both ends and the middle, which helps to aid in the removal of one wipe at a time to cut down on wasted materials. This was effective in the reduced number of wipes used. When asked about the saturation, every team member commented the wipes contained enough moisture of material to clean all areas needed, but they always combined the wipes with the COEfect MinuteSpray. The biggest applaud from the evaluation team was the container. Having a lid that will not pop off when compressed allows the wipes to not dry out and be wasted. Seven of the evaluators commented they have found their new brand of wipes and would continue to order the product in their practices.