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Chapter 4<br />

Dey/Engley (Difco) neutralization broth has also been recommended by the<br />

ASTM standard E2871-12 [125].<br />

Sodium thiosulfate (chemical formula Na 2 S 2 O 3 ) is commonly used for<br />

neutralizing disinfectants containing iodine or chlorine derivatives [71, 117,<br />

213]. Sodium thiosulfate acts as a neutralizing agent by reacting with the<br />

free chlorine in a solution and releasing the components as harmless<br />

molecules such as water (H 2 0) and sodium chloride (NaCl) [214].<br />

Dey/Engley neutralization broth inhibits bacterial growth. Dey/Engley has<br />

previously been used to neutralize sodium hydroxide and benzalkonium<br />

chloride [134, 149]. Dey/Engley contains a mixture <strong>of</strong> neutralizing agents<br />

including sodium thioglycolate, sodium thiosulfate, sodium bisulfite,<br />

polysorbate 80, lecithin (soybean extract) that allows broad spectrum<br />

efficacy against disinfectant agents [215].<br />

4.1.7. Use <strong>of</strong> test controls<br />

The inclusion <strong>of</strong> test controls (coupons or test surfaces) is crucial in order<br />

to validate the efficacy <strong>of</strong> any antimicrobial or disinfectant under<br />

examination. The use <strong>of</strong> additional coupons (not in contact with<br />

disinfectants or neutralizing agent) confirms that any reduction in cells<br />

enumerated is independent <strong>of</strong> any other chemical agents present in the<br />

media or other factors such as decline in viable cells over extended time.<br />

Hamilton et al. also highlighted the importance <strong>of</strong> using controls in order to<br />

validate harvesting and disaggregation steps <strong>of</strong> bi<strong>of</strong>ilm cells for accurate<br />

enumeration <strong>of</strong> any cell reported antimicrobial or disinfectant effect [183].<br />

This is supported by the data presented in earlier chapters <strong>of</strong> this thesis<br />

demonstrating that completeness <strong>of</strong> bi<strong>of</strong>ilm removal from surfaces is<br />

dependent on strain and the age <strong>of</strong> the bi<strong>of</strong>ilm.<br />

Page<br />

127

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