Disinfecting Agents

Question 1

Glutaraldehyde (CIDEX): What level disinfectant is it?

Answer 1

. High Level Disinfectant [level 1] (Critical Item)
– Disinfectant / sterilants
– Kills microbes by attacking cell protein
– Used on instruments that can withstand
complete immersion and heat sensitive instruments
– 20 min – disinfection/ 10 hrs – sterilization
– Items must be thoroughly washed/dried/rinsed
– Cold sterilizer

Question 2

Sodium Hypochlorite (household bleach): What level disinfectant is it?

Answer 2

. High Level Disinfectant [level 1] (Critical Item)
– Used for surfaces, floors and equipments
– Not used in instruments (highly corrosive)
– Harmful to the skin

Question 3

Phenol (Carbolic Acid): What level disinfectant is it?

Answer 3

. Intermediate Level Disinfectant [level 2] (Semi-Critical)
– Destroys bacteria through denaturation and
coagulation of proteins
– Used as a general cleaning agent (floors, countertops, toilets)
– Economical
– Limited use on non critical items
– Extremely irritating to the skin and mucous membranes
- Used to clean OR floors after Dirty Cases

Question 4

Quaternary Ammonium Compounds: What level disinfectant is it?

Answer 4

. Intermediate Level Disinfectant [level 2] (Semi-Critical)
– Quats
– Benzalkonium chloride
– Used on general cleaning
– Bactericidal, fungicidal, pseudo monacidal but
ineffective to TB

Question 5

Alcohol: What level disinfectant is it?

Answer 5

. Intermediate Level Disinfectant [level 2] (Semi-Critical)
– 60% to 70% Isopropyl or ethyl alcohol
– Most useful for non critical surfaces
– Used for skin disinfection and skin prep
– Corrosive to stainless
– Highly flammable
- Used to wipe down equipment after a dirty case