| Level of Disinfection |
When to Use |
Disinfectant Active Ingredients |
Contact Times (Approximately) |
Advantages/
Disadvantages |
| High Level
Kills everything except bacterial spores |
Use on semi-critical items
Items that may accidentally penetrate skin, and/or come into contact with blood or body fluids. |
1:10 chlorine bleach* solution |
10 minutes
|
Fast acting, no residual; corrodes instruments
|
| 2% gluteraldehyde |
45 minutes |
No corrosive, reusable; toxic fumes
|
| 6% hydrogen peroxide |
45 minutes |
Environmentally friendly, no residual
|
| 7% stabilized hydrogen perioxide |
20 minutes |
Environmentally friendly, no residual, irritant to skin or to respiratory
|
| 0.55% orthophthaladehye (OPE) |
12 minutes |
Fast acting, no mixing needed; leaves white residue
|
Intermediate Level
Kills most bacteria, fungi, and viruses. |
Use on semi-critical items.
Items that may accidentally penetrate skin, and/or come into contact with blood or body fluids. |
70-90% Isopropyl alcohol |
Immerse for 10 minutes |
Fast acting, no residue, non irritating as skin antiseptic. |
| 70-90% Ethyl alcohol |
Immerse for 10 minutes. |
Fast acting, no residue, non irritating as skin antiseptic.
|
1:100 chlorine bleach
|
10 minutes |
Fast acting. |
Low Level
Kills some viruses bacteria, and fungi. |
Use on non-critical items. Items that come in contact but do not penetrate intact ski, or those that do not ordinarily touch the client. These items do not contact blood or body fluids. May be used for routine housekeeping. |
Quaternary ammonium |
Follow manufacturer's instructions |
Less irritating to skin and has detergent properties. |
| 1:500 chlorine bleach* solution |
10 minutes |
Fast acting. |
| 3% hydrogen perioxide |
10 minutes |
Environmentally safe and easy |
| Phenois |
Follow manufacture's instructions |
Easy to find, cleans and disinfects. |
