Use of antiseptics and disinfectants in Thailand 1990.

A survey by questionnaire was done in March and April 1990 on the use of antiseptics and disinfectants (A/D). Twenty-seven hospitals with 675 wards were enrolled. Results showed that the cost of A/D was 3.3 to 8.1 per cent of the total expenses for drugs. Essential A/D were available and used in most places. Many low level A/D, which have been excluded from modern hospitals, were still employed. Contamination of A/D was a real threat due to improper preparation, unclean containers and refill practices in many wards. Improper applications of A/D, namely: overuse, underuse, and wrong choices were found in many places. Textbooks and written guidelines were available but it is unlikely that they were referred to in practice. A national policy on the use of A/D and proper education to medical personnel are clearly needed.

Comparison of costs for disposable and reusable syringes and needles in Siriraj Hospital.

The costs for disposable and re-usable syringes and needles were compared in Siriraj Hospital, in July 1988. Data were collected from all wards regarding number of items used or replaced. Labour costs for recycling re-usable items were estimated by close observation. The costs for disposable and re-usable syringes and needles were 498,039.50, 193,874.45, 69,410.00 and 27,366.95 baht respectively. It can be concluded that re-usable items cost only 36 per cent of disposable ones. It is evident that re-usable syringes and needles should be appropriate for hospitals in Thailand at present.