4.5

Question 1

Key Factors for Effective Microbial Control

Answer 1

• Organism Targeted
• Mechanism of Action of Compound
• Concentration of Disinfectant
• Time Exposed

Question 2

Alcohols

Answer 2

Disinfectant and Antiseptic
- Disrupts cell membranes, denature proteins
- Not effective against naked viruses or endospores
- Can be used directly on living tissue
Ex: Ethanol, Isopropanol

Question 3

Surfactants

Answer 3

Disinfectant and Antiseptic
Disrupt cell membrane
- Ineffective against endospores, naked viruses, and acid-fat bacteria
- Effective at removing dirt and oil from surfaces
Ex: Benzalkonium chloride, Quats

Question 4

Phenols

Answer 4

Disinfectant and Antiseptic
Disrupt cell membranes, denature proteins
- Stable and active for long periods after use
- Too high concentration can be dangerous
- Can be used directly on living tissue
Ex: Phenol (Carbolic acid), Chlorobenzyl phenol, Thymol

Question 5

Biguanides

Answer 5

Disinfectant and Antiseptic
Disrupt cell wall and cell membrane
- Broad spectrum yeast and bactericidal disinfectant
- Prolonged bacteriostatic effect
- Can be used directly on living tissue
Ex: Chlorhexidine, PAPB, Proguanil

Question 6

Halogens

Answer 6

Sterilant, Disinfectant, and Antiseptic
Denature proteins, oxidize cellular components
- Broad spectrum disinfectant
- Kills most bacteria and viruses
- Sterilant at high concentrations/time
Ex: Betadine, Chlorine, Sodium fluoride

Question 7

Oxidizing Agents

Answer 7

Sterilant, Disinfectant, and Antiseptic
Denature proteins, oxidize cellular components
- Long exposure, broad spectrum
- Sterilize surfaces, tools, rooms BUT still safe for skin
Ex: Hydrogen Peroxide, Activated Oxygen, Potassium permanganate

Question 8

Heavy Metals

Answer 8

Disinfectant
Denature proteins
- Largely effective for external infections
- Coats medical equipment with internal bodily access
Ex: Silver, Mercury, Copper, Selenium, Zinc

Question 9

Aldehydes

Answer 9

Sterilant and Disinfectant
Crosslink nucleic acids and proteins; PERMANENT change
- Highly effective antimicrobial agent including endospores and viruses
- Used in vaccines to inactivate toxins/organisms
Ex: Formalin, Formaldehyde

Question 10

Gaseous Agents

Answer 10

Sterilant and Disinfectant
Crosslink proteins and DNA; PERMANENT change
- Limited surface penetration
- Used for delicate surgical equipment due to minimal damaging effects (heat-sensitive)
Ex: Ethylene oxide