Hospital use of chlorine disinfectants in a hepatitis B endemic area--a prevalence survey in twenty hospitals.

A survey was conducted to assess the uses of chlorine disinfectants in twenty hospitals in Hong Kong. In the 149 areas visited, the charge nurses were interviewed on the use of chlorine disinfectants. A high proportion of uses (44%) were not at the recommended dilution and only 88 (57%) of the 154 samples were within +/- 10% of the manufacturers quoted chlorine content. Samples with inadequate chlorine were found among all six types of chlorine disinfectants, although sodium dichloroisocyanurate tablets conformed to the quoted strength on 88% occasions. Higher usage frequency and better dilution practices were noted for hospitals with a disinfectant policy.