Disinfection method, substance mixture and disinfection sets

Abstract

The invention relates to a disinfection method, wherein in a first step a surface to be disinfected is wetted with a first substance mixture, wherein the first substance mixture contains at least one dye. In a second step, the surface is subjected to a disinfection process, wherein through the effect of the disinfectant the dye is destroyed in those regions of the surface that have undergone a predefined minimum intensity of the disinfection process. The invention also relates to a substance mixture for use in the disinfection process, and to disinfection sets.

Description

[0001] Disinfection procedures, substance mixtures and disinfection sets

[0002] The invention relates to a disinfection process, mixtures of substances for use in the disinfection process and disinfection sets.

[0003] Particularly in the field of disinfection of reusable medical devices, such as surgical instruments, ultrasound probes, endoscopes, etc., complete and effective cleaning and reduction of potential pathogens is essential.

[0004] When preparing such medical devices for further use, two steps are required. During a thorough cleaning, for example, adhering body fluids and any auxiliary materials used are wiped away with wipes or similar (initial cleaning). In a second step, disinfection or sterilization takes place by illuminating the devices, specifically their surfaces, with high-energy electromagnetic radiation (especially UV radiation), exposing them to thermal energy, or treating them with a disinfectant substance.

[0005] Manual cleaning processes, i.e., essentially wiping or treating surfaces, are particularly prone to errors. This is primarily due to the impossibility of visual inspection of the quality of the wiping. It is also not possible to determine whether all relevant areas of the surface to be disinfected have been (sufficiently) treated. However, errors can also occur when using "non-manual" sterilization methods. For example, relevant areas of the surfaces to be disinfected may be shaded during UV illumination, e.g., due to unfavorable positioning, and therefore not illuminated or only insufficiently illuminated.

[0006] To address this problem, various approaches are known in the prior art in which dyes are used to visualize different aspects of a disinfection process. For example, documents US 10,052,396 B2, WO 2017 / 139670 A1, and WO 2022 / 013543 A1 disclose dye-coated disinfectants that decolorize over time. US 5,057,303 A follows the same basic idea. According to a proposal in US 2009 / 0024096 A1, a surface to be disinfected can be coated with a mixture of substances that decolorizes in the presence of a solvent. Upon evaporation of the solvent, the color of the surface returns.

[0007] The invention is based on the objective of improving the possibilities for testing the success of surface cleaning and disinfection and enabling future validation. In this description, the terms "disinfection" and "sanitization" are used interchangeably. Both are to be understood here as processes in which microorganisms are killed or rendered harmless.

[0008] The problem is solved by the subject matter of the main claim and the subordinate claims. Advantageous developments of the invention can be found in the dependent claims.

[0009] The disinfection method according to the invention comprises two steps. In a first step, a surface to be disinfected is wetted with a first mixture of substances, which contains at least one dye.

[0010] This dye is sufficiently stable in this mixture of substances to remain intact for at least several minutes, preferably up to two hours or longer, under normal ambient conditions, i.e. without the effect of high radiation intensities, high temperatures and / or without the effect of chemically active substances (e.g. very high or very low pH, oxidative substances, strongly reducing substances, radicals, ionic or non-ionic surfactants).

[0011] The dye is destroyed when its chemical structure has changed or it has formed a bond in such a way that restoration of its color activity, i.e. its visual perceptibility, is not possible by simply changing its environmental conditions.

[0012] In a second step of the method according to the invention, the surface is subjected to a disinfection process, whereby the dye is destroyed by the action of a disinfectant in those areas of the surface that have experienced a predetermined minimum intensity of the disinfection process. The term "disinfectant" is intended comprehensively here and can refer, for example, to liquid or gaseous mixtures of substances with a disinfectant effect, radiation, or thermal energy. The predetermined minimum intensity of the disinfection process can result, in particular, from the duration of the action of the disinfectant on the dye and / or from the concentration or effectiveness of the disinfectant.

[0013] The minimum intensity is advantageously adapted to the at least one dye used (hereinafter, for the sake of simplicity, reference is made to a dye) and the composition of the first substance mixture in such a way that a defined degree of disinfection is achieved with this minimum intensity at which the dye is destroyed.

[0014] The success of the disinfection process can thus be assessed visually based on the destruction of the dye during or after disinfection.

[0015] Areas that are not completely decolorized may indicate an insufficient level of disinfection. These areas should then preferably be subjected to the disinfection process again until complete decolorization is achieved.

[0016] Surfaces to be disinfected can vary greatly in color. To support the user-friendliness of the method according to the invention even when applied to dark surfaces, the first substance mixture, in an advantageous embodiment of the method, can contain a light, particularly white, additive such as (pH-sensitive) copolymers of methacrylates (e.g., Eudragit®) and / or magnesium / calcium carbonate and / or titanium dioxide, which are mechanically removed or chemically decolorized during disinfection. Oxidation-sensitive additives can also be included.

[0017] The invention also opens up the possibility of qualitatively and quantitatively checking the initial cleaning process during the first step. The coloring of the surface to be disinfected indicates to the operator which areas of the surface have already been treated, for example, wiped. The appearance of the coloring also allows a rough assessment of the intensity of the initial cleaning. Thus, areas of the surface that have only been lightly wiped may be less colored than those that have been intensively cleaned.

[0018] A further advantage of the method according to the invention is that any residues of auxiliary substances remaining on the surface, such as ultrasound gel, or localized contaminants from previous use of the surface, such as residual body fluids, secretions, or biofilms, can lead to a variation in the color of an otherwise homogeneous surface. This is particularly helpful for types of contamination that are normally visually indistinguishable from the surface. This allows for visual inspection for any residual amounts of auxiliary substances or areas requiring more intensive cleaning, which allows for better assessment and assurance of adequate pretreatment of the surface to be disinfected.

[0019] Advantageously, the first substance mixture is present as a solution that dries quickly on the surface, for example, as an aqueous solution. The areas of the surface wetted in the first step appear colored, while those areas of the surface where the dye is destroyed in the second step become discolored.

[0020] The disinfection process of the method according to the invention can be carried out in various ways. In one embodiment of the disinfection process, the disinfection process comprises treating the surface with electromagnetic radiation as a disinfectant. The radiation used for this purpose advantageously has a wavelength in the range of approximately 200 to 300 nm (ultraviolet light).

[0021] Also possible is a disinfection process in which the surface is treated with thermal energy as a disinfectant, in particular a treatment with dry heat, for example 30 minutes to four hours at 70 to 180 degrees Celsius at 20 to 80% humidity, or moist heat, for example 3 to 20 minutes at 90 to 134 degrees Celsius at 80 to 100% humidity.

[0022] In a further embodiment, the disinfection process comprises treating the surface with a second mixture of substances as a disinfectant. In a particularly advantageous embodiment of the method according to the invention, the actual disinfectant can be generated or activated only shortly before its use. For example, each of the two mixtures of substances can contain a component of the disinfectant. The mixtures of substances can be, for example, liquids, gels or foams. In these cases, the second mixture of substances acts as a disinfectant in that, during the disinfection process, by treating the surface with the second mixture of substances, the components of both mixtures come into direct contact, and thus, by means of the second mixture of substances, the disinfectant is provided on the surface through a chemical reaction between the components of both mixtures of substances.

[0023] The advantage of such an embodiment of the invention is that the active ingredient is formed directly on the surface to be disinfected. In one example of the invention, the highly potent chlorine dioxide is generated as the disinfectant. This volatile oxidative gas is produced during the protonation of, for example, sodium chlorite or other chlorites. The chlorine dioxide is only generated ("activated") on the surface, where, for example, the first mixture contains an acid and the second mixture contains the sodium chlorite, or vice versa. It is advantageous if the acid used is volatile, as is the case with hydrochloric acid or acetic acid, for example.As a result of the rapid evaporation of the acid, a surface to be disinfected has a more neutral pH value again shortly after the disinfection process, which is particularly advantageous if the disinfected surface is to be brought into contact with living biological material, for example a patient's epithelium, immediately after the disinfection process.

[0024] In another embodiment, the second mixture of substances is prepared by the user shortly before its use by combining at least two previously stored, separate substances, which react with each other, and whose reaction product acts as a disinfectant. In this case, too, the substances can be, for example, an acid and sodium chlorite. Depending on the effectiveness of the selected disinfection process, the composition of the first mixture of substances and, if necessary, that of the second mixture of substances can be adjusted.

[0025] If, for example, disinfection by means of electromagnetic radiation, in particular by means of UV radiation, is selected, a first mixture of substances used in the disinfection method according to the invention can comprise at least one wetting agent, one dye and one solvent as well as optional additives.

[0026] The at least one dye is, for example, a compound selected from a group comprising polymethine-linked indolines, fused indolines, benzimidazoles, benzoxazoles, tetraterpenes, triphenylmethane dyes and azulenes.

[0027] Other possible dyes are listed in Table 1.

[0028] Table 1

[0029] The dyes must be medically harmless even after they decompose upon contact with biological surfaces, such as mucous membranes or other organs. Preferably, the dyes are not lightfast, meaning they are sensitive to photooxidation. Such dyes can be stored well protected from light and are stable after application to a surface to be disinfected, but decompose rapidly under the influence of strong UV radiation.

[0030] In the case of disinfection using UV radiation, for example, polymethine-linked indolines, benzimidazoles, benzoxazoles, and fused indolines, so-called polymethine dyes, are suitable, especially those from the cyanine group, such as Quinoline Blue. Dyes from the tetraterpene group particularly concern carotenoids or xanthophylls such as lutein and ß-carotene. From the triphenylmethane group, tris(2,4-dimethoxyphenyl)methanol and bis(2,4-dimethoxyphenyl)(2-methoxyphenyl)methanol have proven particularly suitable. Dyes from the azulene group, including in particular 7-isopropyl-1,4-dimethylazulene (azalone, guaiazulene), which is considered safe for use in the treatment of medical devices, have also demonstrated positive properties for this application. Further possible dyes are listed in Table 1.If, however, disinfection using a second mixture of substances is chosen, the first mixture of substances also comprises at least one wetting agent, one dye, and one solvent, as well as optional additives, wherein the at least one dye is a compound selected from a group comprising polymethine-linked indolines, benzimidazoles, benzoxazoles, fused indolines, anthocyanins, betanins, phycocyanin (spirulina), cyanines, tris(2,4-dimethoxyphenyl)methanol, and phthaleins. Table 1 lists further suitable dyes.

[0031] The solvents used for the first mixtures are water and / or alcohols such as ethanol, isopropanol and / or n-propanol.

[0032] The first substance mixture serves as a dye and, if necessary, also as a cleaning agent. It can be applied with a cloth, but also by dabbing, spraying, or misting. Immersing the surface in a first substance mixture is also possible. The formulation of the first substance mixture preferably allows for a well-adhering, even, and quick-drying application of the dye to the surface to be disinfected. The surface to be disinfected should be color-coded, meaning that all correctly wetted and, if necessary, pre-cleaned areas are always recognizable as such.

[0033] The purpose of the wetting agents is to ensure good adhesion of the first substance mixture to a wide variety of surfaces to be disinfected, such as plastic, metal, coated materials, and ceramics. The use of non-polar or only slightly polar dyes in solvents with a lower polarity than water, such as alcohols, also allows the formation of a thin, homogeneous, and fast-drying color layer. However, alcohols, especially in higher concentrations, are not suitable for all materials. Undesirable discoloration and / or embrittlement of the surfaces may occur under certain circumstances.

[0034] Attempts were therefore made to use water-based formulations. It was discovered that highly surface-active substances, especially surfactants, allow for a thin, binding, and fast-drying film with the dye. Therefore, the first mixture advantageously contains at least one surfactant as a wetting agent.

[0035] The observed effect can be further improved when particularly low-foaming and / or non-ionic surfactants, for example, coco-glucoside or laureth-4, or zwitterionic surfactants, such as cocoamidopropyl betaine, are used. Additionally or alternatively, silicones or other foam-reducing substances, such as SilSense® Copolyol-1 Silicone (a blend of PEG-33, PEG-8 dimethicone, and PEG-14), Gransurf 50C-HM (dimethicone and PEG / PPG-18 / 18 dimethicone), EMULSIL® WO-5116 (dimethicone and PEG / PPG-18 / 18 dimethicone), Specsil K-12 (dimethicone and dimethicone / PEG-10 / 15 crosspolymer), can be added to reduce or prevent foam formation.

[0036] A further improvement in the first mixture, particularly in terms of dye intensity and material adhesion, can be achieved by adding polyvinylpyrrolidone 30 or polyvinylpyrrolidone 90. Particularly good results have been achieved with the addition of polymers, particularly copolymers based on hydrophobically modified ethoxylated urethane (HEUR). The use of a nonionic, hydrophobic, alkali-soluble acrylic polymer emulsion, for example, Aculyn® 44, and a water-based polyurethane polymer, for example, Baycusan® C 1001, is advantageous.

[0037] Generally speaking, the first mixture of substances includes polymers with a weight percentage (w / w) of 1 - 10%, alcohol with 0 - 24%, dye with 0.001 - 5%, wetting agents (especially surfactants) with 0 - 20%, silicones with 0 - 20% and water.

[0038] In one embodiment, the formulation of the first mixture is: polymer at 2% (acrylic polymer emulsion), water at 77%, ethanol at 19%, and 2-[5-[3,3-dimethyl-1-(4-sulfobutyl)-1,3-dihydro-indol-2-ylidene]-penta-1,3-di-enyl]-3,3-dimethyl-1-(4-sulfobutyl)-3H-indolium hydroxide at 2%. The first mixture of this embodiment is ideally suited in combination with a second mixture comprising an oxidative disinfectant, such as chlorine dioxide.

[0039] In a further embodiment, the formulation of the first mixture of substances is: 2% citric acid for pH control, 2% Silsense® Copolyol-1 Silicones (PEG-33, PEG-8 Dimethicone, PEG-14) as a film-forming and foam-reducing substance, 1% PVP-90 (Polyvinylpyrrolidone-90) as a wetting agent and color enhancer, 2% Mulsifan® CPA (Laureth-4) as a surfactant, 0.6% Heyfair Azure 02 (2-[(1 E,3E,5E)-5-[1 ,3-dihydro-3,3-dimethyl-1 -(4-sulfobutyl)-2H-indol-2-ylidene]- 1 ,3-pentadien-1-yl]-3,3-dimethyl-1-(4-sulfobutyl)-3H-indolium, inner salt, sodium salt) as a colorant, 1% Preservative, 91.4% water. The first mixture of substances in this further embodiment is also ideally suited for combination with a second mixture of substances comprising an oxidative disinfectant, such as chlorine dioxide.

[0040] As already mentioned, in exemplary embodiments, the disinfection process involves the use of a second substance mixture, which can be brought into contact with the surface to be disinfected, for example, by wiping, dabbing, spraying, evaporating, or dipping. Such a second substance mixture can contain, for example, chlorine bleach, sodium hypochlorite, chlorine dioxide, active oxygen, peracetic acid, hydrogen peroxide, potassium permanganate, sodium percarbonate with tetraacetylethylenediamine (TAED), potassium peroxomonosulfate, and / or various quaternary ammonium compounds, also in combination with acids and bases, as disinfectant components.

[0041] Discoloration of the surface to be disinfected should occur very quickly when the minimum intensity is reached (see above), preferably within five minutes or, even more preferably, within a few seconds.

[0042] The invention further encompasses the provision of a disinfection kit. This kit comprises a first mixture of substances and a second mixture of substances as described above. The first mixture of substances is intended for wetting and coloring a surface to be disinfected. The second mixture of substances serves to disinfect the wetted surface, wherein the progress of the disinfection process can be determined based on the decolorization of the surface caused by the action of the second mixture of substances. The dye in the first mixture of substances is matched to the mechanism of action of the disinfectant in the second mixture of substances. For example, when using an oxidatively active disinfectant that contains, for example, chlorine dioxide, chlorine bleach, active oxygen, peracetic acid, hydrogen peroxide, etc. as a component of the second mixture of substances, a dye that is decolorized by oxidation should be used.Examples of oxidatively decolorizable dyes include cyanines, especially polymethine-linked indolines, benzimidazoles, benzoxazoles, and fused indolines; phthaleins; anthocyanins; betanins; and phycocyanin (spirulina). An alternative, well-suited decolorization mechanism is the use of a complex dye, such as naphthol green B, iron(II) gallate, iron(III) thiocyanate, or iron(II,III) curcumin complex, as a component of the first substance mixture. In this case, decolorization is based on the displacement of a metal ion from the colored complex by the disinfectant. Here, too, the dye and disinfectant used must be matched accordingly.

[0043] Another two-component (2K) disinfection kit comprises a preliminary first mixture of substances comprising at least one wetting agent and one solvent, as well as optional additives. Separately, at least one dye is provided, wherein the at least one dye is a compound selected in particular from a group comprising cyanines, in particular polymethine-linked indolines, benzimidazoles, benzoxazoles, fused indolines, tetraterpenes, triphenylmethane dyes, and azulenes, or one of the dyes listed in Table 1. The two components of the disinfection kit, i.e., the first preliminary mixture of substances and the dye, are mixed only immediately before intended use to obtain a finished first mixture of substances. Storing the dye separately from the preliminary first mixture of substances can have a positive effect on the storage stability of the dye.

[0044] The 2K disinfection set can further comprise a second substance mixture which contains, as disinfectant components, for example, chlorine bleach, sodium hypochlorite, chlorine dioxide, active oxygen, peracetic acid, hydrogen peroxide, potassium permanganate, sodium percarbonate (sodium percarbonate) with tetraacetylethylenediamine (TAED), potassium peroxomonosulfate, and / or various quaternary ammonium compounds, also in combination with acids and bases.

[0045] Alternatively, the second mixture of substances or the preliminary first mixture of substances can contain sodium chlorite and the other mixture of substances can contain an acid, in particular citric acid or a volatile acid such as hydrochloric acid or acetic acid, so that when both mixtures of substances are brought into contact on the surface to be cleaned and disinfected, chlorine dioxide is produced as a disinfectant component.

[0046] In one embodiment, a disinfection kit is provided comprising a first mixture of substances and a second mixture of substances. The first mixture of substances contains: 5% citric acid, 1% lactic acid, 1% PVP-90, 2% Silsense® Copolyol-1 silicone, 2% Laureth-4, 0.6% Heyfair Azure, 87.4% water. The second mixture of substances contains: 0.5% sodium chlorite, 85% ethanol, 14.5% water.

[0047] In another embodiment, a disinfection kit is also provided, comprising a first mixture of substances and a second mixture of substances. The first mixture of substances contains: 2.5% sodium chlorite, 0.5% sodium hydroxide, 1% PVP-90, 2% Silsense® Copolyol-1 silicone, 0.25% Laureth-4, 0.6% Heyfair Azure, 94.0% water. The second mixture of substances contains: 2.5% citric acid, 0.25% Laureth-4, 97% water.

[0048] The advantages of the invention lie in the provision of a first substance mixture for cleaning surfaces, in particular (but not exclusively) for medical instruments, especially those that regularly come into contact with mucous membranes or pathologically altered skin (so-called semi-critical medical devices). The surface to be disinfected is clearly and reliably colored. This enables the detection of complete wetting of the surface. The resulting coloration can then be completely removed by the active ingredient of a disinfectant solution or by the effect of a disinfection process, thus allowing visual verification of the success of the disinfection process.

[0049] The sequence of a disinfection method according to the invention is shown in simplified form in Fig. 1. A surface to be disinfected is wetted with a first substance mixture, either provided or previously prepared using a disinfection kit, until all areas to be disinfected are colored. Subsequently, in a second step, a disinfection process is carried out, whereby the surface to be disinfected is disinfected by the action of a disinfectant and the dye is destroyed. The presence of the dye indicates to the user that the surface has been initially cleaned, while the subsequent complete discoloration indicates a minimum intensity and thus the success of the disinfection process.

[0050] Fig. 2 illustrates the sequence of another disinfection method according to the invention. Fig. 2A shows a medical gynecological probe 1. A user wets the probe 1 with a wipe 2 impregnated with a first substance mixture provided or previously prepared using a disinfection kit, until all areas of the probe 1 to be disinfected are colored. Fig. 2B shows the probe 1 in the colored state; the dyeing solution has dried and cannot be removed, for example, by simply wiping dry. In a second step (cf. Fig. 2C), the user wets the probe again, this time with another wipe 3 impregnated with a second substance mixture. The disinfectant contained in the second substance mixture disinfects the surface of the probe 1 and completely decolorizes the probe 1. The wipe 3, in turn, remains undyed.The decolorization is therefore due to the destruction of the dye by the action of the disinfectant on the probe surface. Fig. 2D shows complete decolorization of probe 1, which visually indicates complete disinfection and thus the success of the disinfection process.

[0051] The following dyes and dye groups are suitable for all disinfection processes mentioned above. Further dyes can be found in Table 1. These dyes can also be alkoxylated, sulfonated, and substituted, as well as present as polymerized derivatives. Furthermore, the applicability of the dyes can be improved by coupling them to polymers, such as various acrylic acid polymers, polyethylene glycol (PEG), and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), as well as mixtures thereof (copolymers).

[0052] In the case of disinfection using UV radiation, so-called polymethine dyes, especially those from the cyanine group, such as Quinoline Blue, are particularly suitable. Polymethine-linked indolines, benzimidazoles, benzoxazoles, and fused indolines are also suitable. From the group of triphenylmethane dyes, tris(2,4-dimethoxyphenyl)methanol and bis(2,4-dimethoxyphenyl)(2-methoxyphenyl)methanol have proven particularly suitable. Natural dyes from the group of tetraterpenes include, in particular, carotenoids and xanthophylls such as ß-carotene and lutein. Dyes from the group of azulenes, including, in particular, 7-isopropyl-1,4-dimethylazulene (guaiazulene), which is considered safe for use in the treatment of medical devices, have also shown positive properties for this application.

[0053] So-called polymethine dyes, especially those from the cyanine group, are particularly well-suited for use in dyes with a conjugated double bond length of 2-5 μm and are water-soluble. One example is 2-[5-[3,3-dimethyl-1-(4-sulfobutyl)-1,3-dihydro-indol-2-ylidene]-penta-1,3-dienyl]-3,3-dimethyl-1-(4-sulfobutyl)-3H-indolium hydroxide. These dyes are characterized by very good decolorization, particularly by oxidative decolorization, combined with good long-term stability and an excellent safety profile.

[0054] Even non-water-soluble cyanines can be decolorized by oxidation. Examples include 1,T-diethyl-3,3,3',3'-tetramethylindocarbocyanine iodide (Astrophloxine), 1-(3-methylbutyl)-4-[[1-(3-methylbutyl)-4(1H)-quinolinylidene]methyl]quinolinium monoiodide (Quinoline Blue), 2-(4-dimethylaminostyryl)-1-ethylquinolinium iodine (Quinaldine Red), 1,1'-diethyl-2,2'-carbocyanine iodide (Pinacynol Iodide), and 1,T-diethyl-2,2'-cyanine iodide.

[0055] Natural dyes from the polyphenol group, such as anthocyanins and curcumin, as well as betanins and phycocyanins, have also been found to be very easy to decolorize and have a good safety profile. The decolorized solution may contain reddish-brown color residues. The formulation is often less stable during storage.

[0056] If the solution of the first mixture is adjusted to pH values ​​of 1 to 4, bis(2,4-dimethoxyphenyl)(2-methoxyphenyl)methanol and tris(2,4-dimethoxyphenyl)methanol are suitable.

[0057] However, if the pH is between 9 and 12, ethyl bis(2,4-dinitrophenyl)acetate can be used. Phthaleins such as thymolphthalein, o-cresolphthalein, phenolphthalein, and tetrabromophenolphthalein can be used in solutions with a pH of 10 to 12.

Claims

1 . Disinfection process, whereby - in a first step, a surface to be disinfected is wetted with a first mixture of substances, wherein the first mixture of substances contains at least one dye, - in a second step, the surface is subjected to a disinfection process, whereby the dye is destroyed by the action of a disinfectant in those areas of the surface which have undergone a predetermined minimum intensity of the disinfection process.

2. Disinfection method according to claim 1, characterized in that in the first step the wetted areas of the surface appear colored and that in the second step a discoloration occurs in those areas of the surface where the dye is destroyed.

3. Disinfection method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the disinfection process comprises treating the surface with electromagnetic radiation as a disinfectant.

4. Disinfection method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the disinfection process comprises treating the surface with thermal energy as a disinfectant.

5. Disinfection method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the disinfection process comprises treating the surface with a second mixture of substances as a disinfectant.

6. Disinfection method according to claim 5, characterized in that the treatment of the surface with the second mixture of substances is carried out by manual application.

7. A mixture of substances for use as the first mixture of substances in a disinfection process according to claim 3, comprising at least one wetting agent, one dye, and one solvent, as well as optional additives, wherein the at least one dye is a compound selected from a group comprising polymethine-linked indolines; fused indolines; tetraterpenes; triphenylmethane dyes; azulenes; and the dyes according to Table 1.

8. A mixture of substances for use as the first mixture of substances in a disinfection process according to either of claims 5 and 6, comprising at least one wetting agent, one dye, and one solvent, as well as optional additives, wherein the at least one dye is a compound selected from a group comprising cyanines, in particular polymethine-linked indolines, benzimidazoles, benzoxazoles, and fused indolines; triphenylmethane dyes; phthaleins; tetraterpenes; azulenes; anthocyanins; betanins; phycocyanin (spirulina); tris(2,4-dimethoxyphenyl)methanol; the dyes according to Table 1.

9. A mixture of substances according to one of claims 7 or 8, wherein at least one surfactant is present as a wetting agent.

10. A mixture of substances according to any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein a pH-sensitive additive, in particular magnesium carbonate, calcium carbonate and / or a pH-sensitive copolymer, in particular methacrylate, and mixtures thereof, is contained.

11. A mixture of substances according to any one of claims 7 to 10, wherein the dye is bound to a polymer selected from a group comprising acrylic acid polymers, polyethylene glycol (PEG) and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) and mixtures thereof.

12. A mixture of substances according to any one of claims 7 to 10, wherein silicones, foam-reducing substances, polymers, in particular copolymers, polyvinylpyrrolidone, a non-ionic, hydrophobic, alkali-soluble acrylic polymer suspension and / or a water-based polyurethane polymer are contained as additives.

13. A mixture of substances for use as a second mixture of substances in a disinfection process according to one of claims 5 or 6, wherein the disinfectant component comprises chlorine bleach, sodium hypochlorite, chlorine dioxide, active oxygen, peracetic acid, hydrogen peroxide, potassium permanganate, sodium percarbonate (sodium percarbonate) with tetraacetylethylenediamine (TAED), potassium peroxomonosulfate, and / or quaternary ammonium compounds, also in combination with acids and bases.

14. Disinfection set, comprising a first mixture of substances according to one of claims 8 to 12 and a second mixture of substances according to claim 13, wherein the first mixture of substances is intended for wetting and coloring a surface to be disinfected and the second mixture of substances serves to disinfect the wetted surface, wherein the success of the disinfection process can be determined on the basis of a discoloration of the surface occurring due to the effect of the second mixture of substances.

15. Disinfection set, comprising a first mixture of substances according to one of claims 8 to 12 and a second mixture of substances, wherein the first mixture of substances is intended for wetting and coloring a surface to be disinfected and the second mixture of substances serves to disinfect the wetted surface, wherein on the basis of a The success of the disinfection process can be determined by the discoloration of the surface occurring due to the effect of the second mixture of substances, and wherein one of the mixtures of substances contains sodium chlorite and the other mixture of substances contains an acid, in particular a volatile acid such as hydrochloric acid or acetic acid, so that when the two mixtures of substances are brought into contact, chlorine dioxide is produced as a disinfectant component.

16. Disinfection set comprehensive - a preliminary first mixture of substances comprising at least one wetting agent and one solvent as well as optional additives, and - at least one separately provided dye, wherein the at least one dye is a compound selected from a group comprising cyanines, in particular polymethine-linked indolines, benzimidazoles, benzoxazoles, and fused indolines; triphenylmethane dyes; phthaleins; tetraterpenes; Azulenes; anthocyanins; betanins; phycocyanin (spirulina); tris(2,4-dimethoxyphenyl)methanol; the dyes according to Table 1.

17. Disinfection kit according to claim 16, further comprising a second mixture of substances according to claim 13.

18. Disinfection set according to claim 16, further comprising a second mixture of substances, wherein the preliminary first mixture of substances or the second mixture of substances contains sodium chlorite and the respective other mixture of substances contains an acid, in particular a volatile acid such as hydrochloric acid or acetic acid, so that when both mixtures of substances are brought into contact, chlorine dioxide is produced as a disinfectant component.

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