Glossary of Terms – Sanitiser and PPE Products (Part Two)

Welcome to part two, the concluding part of our two-part guide which explains various terms and phrases relating to sanitiser and PPE products. Read part one by clicking this link.

Hand sanitiser

Also known as hand rub and hand antiseptic, hand sanitiser is applied to hands primarily when access to soap and water is not accessible. Its primary purpose is to kill bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens upon contact. There are two main types of hand sanitiser formulations which are alcohol-based and alcohol-free.

Available most frequently in a liquid form, hand sanitiser is also produced in gel, foam, and aerosol (mist) versions. Although available in settings such as cruise ships and hospitals over many years, the use of hand sanitiser is now widespread as a major weapon in infection control from the outset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Hypochlorous Acid

Also known as HOCI is a weak acid, which naturally occurs in humans as well as other mammals. Hypochlorous Acid is used by the human body as the first line of defence against viruses, bacteria, and other pathogens. This acid is entirely non-toxic and kills 99.99% of microorganisms upon contact.

HOCl

HOCl is an alternative name for hypochlorous acid, it is an acronym for HypO and the Cl for the atomic name of Chlorine.

Instant sanitiser

Instant sanitiser is a sanitising agent which kills viruses, bacteria, and other pathogens. Usually sold in bulk containers, instant sanitiser is often used to refill sanitiser units. View and purchase MIST-IFY instant sanitiser at this link.

MIST-IFY

MIST-IFY is Coler Medical PPE’s brand name for our range of instant sanitiser and sanitiser units.

Moisturising agent

These are added to hand sanitisers to add extra moisture to the skin, which can become dry and crack with repeated chemically-based hand sanitiser use. Moisturising agents are designed to leave hands feeling smooth and soft. Coler Medical PPE’s hypochlorous acid products have no added moisturising agent as the product is 100% natural and does not cause the skin to be artificially dry.

Pathogens

These are microscopic organisms (like viruses and bacteria) that can cause a variety of diseases. Pathogens thrive in dirty/non-sterile conditions and are killed through sanitisers and can be protected against through PPE products.

Sanitiser units

These are units, which are used to store and dispense sanitiser. These units are available in a variety of styles including static/wall-mounted models, free-standing units, as well as mini and micro sanitisers which are perfectly suited for mobility and storing in a purse, handbag, suitcase, etc. Check out the Coler Medical PPE website and view our wide range of sanitiser units.

Viruses

These are infectious agents that need a host organism (e.g., animals, plants, bacteria etc.,) to replicate. Viruses can only be viewed microscopically and can be deadly to humans.  COVID-19 is an example of a well-known virus, this is one of hundreds in the coronavirus family. Other types of viruses include influenza, hepatitis, HIV, etc., these can all be killed with effective sanitiser products including the MIST-IFY hypochlorous acid-based range.

Read part one

Click this link to read part one of this guide.

Contact information for Coler Medical PPE

Well, that completes our glossary of terms for sanitiser and PPE products. Please feel free to message Coler Medical PPE with additional terms you think could be worth adding. Contact us in the following ways: