Archive

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Med. Pr. 2000;51(6)

Sensitising effect of Virkon - a disinfectant widely used in Poland

Ocena działania uczulającego Virkonu, preparatu dezynfekującego szeroko stosowanego w Polsce

B. Krysiak, J. Stetkiewicz, M. Kieć-świerczyńska

Abstract

The aim of the study was to define the sensitising effect of Virkon, a disinfectant widely used in Poland, especially in hospitals. The study was carried out on guinea pigs, using the maximisation test according to Magnusson and Kligman, modified by Krysiak. The assessment of dermal changes presented in the percentage of sensitised animals, being thus far the criterion adopted by Magnusson and Kligman, has been expanded to include our own criteria covering the intensity of reactions of testing samplesand the results of eosinophilic and basophilic tests in peripheral blood. Using these parameters and applying pathomorphological examinations it was possible to indicate the difference in the intensity of sensitising effect of Virkon, depending on the concentration used. The results of the study showed that 1% aqueous solution of Virkon is the optimum concentration for monitoring its sensitising effects in people having contact with this substance.