How to use this tool
Consult manufacturer directions to determine the efficacy of the disinfectant against the biohazards in your lab and be sure to allow for sufficient contact time. Some disinfectants appropriate for lab use include: household bleach (5-10% solution), quaternary ammonium compounds, and phenolic compounds.
When choosing a disinfectant consider the following:
- The microorganisms present
- The item to be disinfected or surface(s)
- Corrosivity or hazards associated with the chemicals in the disinfectant
- Ease of use
70% Ethanol
Aqueous alcohol solutions are not appropriate for surface decontamination because of the evaporative nature of the solution; a contact time of ten minutes or more is necessary and not achievable using a 70% (v/v) aqueous solution of ethanol. 70% ethanol can be used to soak small pieces of surgical instruments and for wipe downs following a disinfectant (e.g., 10% bleach) that might leave a corrosive residue.
Bleach
Chlorine compounds such as bleach are commonly used in the lab because of the relative ease in accessibility and low cost. Chlorine (hypochlorite) compounds are effective in inactivating vegetative bacteria, fungi, lipid and non-lipid viruses, Coxiella burnetii and TB.
- Chlorine compounds have some effect in inactivating bacterial spores.
- Recommended contact time: 10 minutes
- Recommended Working Dilution: 5000 ppm (1:10 dilution of household bleach, 5% hypochlorite ion)
Recommended for: floors, spills (inactivating liquid specimens), bench tops and contaminated clothing.Undiluted bleach and other disinfectants must not go down the drain.
Difficult organisms
Some agents such as Cryptosporidium, Bacillus spores and prions are very resistant to the usual disinfectants. EHS Biosafety is available to assist you in determining the appropriate disinfectant and provides guidance on use of appropriate disinfection techniques and materials for researchers.
This information was provided to the University of Virginia by:
Barbara Fox Nellis
Johnson & Johnson
Clinical Diagnostics
1999 Lake Avenue
Bldg. 83, KRL
Rochester, NY 14650-2209
phone: (716) 453-5697
fax: (716) 453-5696
70% Isopropyl Alcohol Solution
Chlorine Compounds
Glutaraldehyde
Iodophors (Iodine with carrier)
Phenolic Compounds
Quaternary Ammonium Compounds (QUATS)
FAQs
Iodophors (Iodine with carrier)
- Disinfecting some semicritical medical equipment.
- Bactericidal – Very Good.
- Fungicidal – Excellent.
- Virucidal – Excellent.
The use-dilution test is commonly used to determine a chemical's disinfection effectiveness on an inanimate surface. For this test, a cylinder of stainless steel is dipped in a culture of the targeted microorganism and then dried.
What are the 3 differences between disinfectants and antiseptics? ›
Antiseptics and disinfectants are both widely used to control infections. They kill microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi using chemicals called biocides. Disinfectants are used to kill germs on nonliving surfaces. Antiseptics kill microorganisms on your skin.
Which disinfectant is the most effective at disinfection? ›
Bleach is a strong and effective disinfectant – its active ingredient sodium hypochlorite is effective in killing bacteria, fungi and viruses, including influenza virus – but it is easily inactivated by organic material.
What are the classifications of these disinfectants? ›
On the basis of their antimicrobial spectrum, they can be classified as bactericidal, fungicidal, virucidal and sporicidal. All the compounds vary in their antimicrobial spectrum, hence need to be chosen as per application/situation.
What are the 4 disinfectants used in hospitals? ›
Currently, there are five main EPA-registered chemicals that hospitals use for disinfectants: Quaternary Ammonium, Hypochlorite, Accelerated Hydrogen Peroxide, Phenolics, and Peracetic Acid.
Is Lysol a disinfectant or antiseptic? ›
This cleaner is a versatile disinfectant that works on a wide range of hard, non-porous surfaces. From kitchen counters and door handles to hardwood floors and light switches to bathroom surfaces like sinks, tubs and tile. Lysol multi-surface cleaner is versatile enough to disinfect even when diluted.
What is the most widely used disinfectant and antiseptics? ›
Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is a widely used biocide for disinfection, sterilization, and antisepsis.
What are the 5 antiseptics and disinfectants? ›
Chlorhexidine, povidone-iodine, chloroxylenol, isopropyl alcohol, hexachlorophene, benzalkonium chloride, and hydrogen peroxide are all often used as antiseptics in dermatologic surgery. They should be utilized for the majority, if not all, treatments that go into the dermis or deeper layers of the skin.
What is the most destructive disinfectant? ›
(iii) Out of these forms freely available chlorine hypochlorous acid HOCl is most destructive. It is 80% more effective than OCl- ion.
The bottom line. Rubbing alcohol and hydrogen peroxide both kill most bacteria, viruses, and fungi. In general, rubbing alcohol is better at killing germs on your hands, as it's gentler on your skin than hydrogen peroxide.
What are the 4 ideal properties of disinfectants? ›
- Wide germicidal range, not sporocidal.
- Low toxicity and low corrosiveness.
- Very effective in the presence of organic matter.
- Good residual activity and deodorizer.
- Low to moderate cost.
Disinfectants and antiseptics are many active chemical compounds called biocides, which can fight microorganisms on nonliving surfaces and human skin. [1] These biocides, such as alcohol, iodine, and chlorine, have been used for years.
What type of disinfectant is safe 4? ›
Description. Safe4 Ready to Use Disinfectant Spray 500ml is a top quality ready diluted spray for all your cleaning requirements. Made without harmful phenols, aldehydes or alcohol, this disinfectant spray is completely safe with animal contact and is non-toxic, non-corrosive and non-irritant.
