Purpose: To evaluate the efficacy of a product which is normally used for cleaning of contact lenses (CompleteÒ: polyhexamethylene biguanide (Tris ChemTM), Tyloxapol, USP, Tromethamine, USP, and Edetate disodium, USP, in sterile isotonic solution) in the disinfection of the cone of the applanation tonometer. Methods: The cone remained immersed in the solution for an average period of 28 minutes. A container for cleaning the contact lenses and a polystyrene support were used. At the end of each day, for 22 days, cultures for fungi and bacteria were carried out as well as direct examinations for fungi and Gram bacterioscopies for S. aureus. The bactericide and fungicide power of the product for S. aureus ATCC#25923, E. coli ATCC#25922, P. aeruginosa ATCC#27853, C. albicans ATCC#76615 and A. niger ATCC# 16404 was verified in vitro. Results: In the cultures, in the direct examination for fungi and in the bacterioscopy by Gram, microorganisms were not identified. In the study in vitro, 48 hours were necessary for the complete elimination of all studied bacteria. Conclusions: Bacteria and fungi were not found in any of the examinations carried out in the solution and in the receptacle despite the fact that the tests in vitro had demonstrated that the time of immersion of the head in the solution (average of 28 minutes) was insufficient for the complete elimination of the microorganisms, what makes the use of this product impractical in the disinfection of the plastic cone of the applanation tonometer.
Tonometry; Disinfection; Equipment contamination; Disinfectants
