General Decontamination Procedure (Figure 4)
Disinfectant SelectionDisinfectant selection is based on several factors (Figure 5): Show
Note that the disinfection of prions and prion-like proteins must follow specific guidelines. It is important to note that ‘bleach’, a very common and effective disinfectant, is not stable at dilute concentrations; working dilutions of sodium hypochlorite should be made weekly from a stock solution. Working solutions of 10% bleach (1:10 dilution of household bleach in water) is effective in most situations. Note that undiluted bleach must not go down the drain. Alcohol based disinfectants will also evaporate over time and should be made up at appropriate intervals. The following list of disinfectants, their efficiencies, contact times and recommended dilutions are general guidelines—please follow specific manufacturer’s recommendations if available. Quaternary Ammonium Compounds are commonly used in floor cleaning solutions. Quaternary ammonium compounds are effective in inactivating most vegetative bacteria, fungi, and lipid containing viruses. Quaternary ammonium compounds are NOT effective when used to disinfect Mycobacterium tuberculosis (TB), bacterial spores, and many viruses such as HBV.
Ethanol is commonly used on equipment whose surfaces are susceptible for corrosion if other disinfectants are applied. Ethyl alcohol is effective in inactivating most vegetative bacteria, fungi, and lipid containing viruses. Ethanol is NOT effective when used to disinfect HBV, Mycobacterium tuberculosis (TB) and bacterial spores.
Phenolics are commonly used to decontaminate surfaces such as lab bench tops. Phenolics are effective in inactivating vegetative bacteria, fungi, TB, lipid containing viruses and have some effect on HBV. However, phenolics will not inactivate bacterial spores.
Iodine-containing compounds or iodophors are commonly used to decontaminate metal surfaces or equipment. Iodophors are effective in inactivating vegetative bacteria, fungi, TB and lipid containing viruses and have some effect on HBV. However, iodophors will not inactivate bacterial spores.
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.
Paraformaldehyde and formaldehyde are often used to decontaminate large pieces of laboratory equipment, such as biosafety cabinets (but only by professionals!). Paraformaldehyde/formaldehyde will inactivate vegetative bacteria, fungi, lipid and non-lipid viruses, HBV, TB, Coxiella burnetii, and bacterial spores. However, paraformaldehyde and formaldehyde are registered carcinogens in the State of California and are very toxic to use without the accessibility of a vented fume hood and/or personal protective equipment. Do not use paraformaldehyde or formaldehyde in the lab to decontaminate equipment. The approved biosafety cabinet contractor will use paraformaldehyde to decontaminate your biosafety cabinet prior to changing the HEPA filters. Be sure to avoid using the biosafety cabinet while this operation is in effect! Glutaraldehyde is often used to disinfect hospital instruments. Glutaraldehyde will inactivate vegetative bacteria, fungi, lipid and non-lipid viruses, HBV, TB, Coxiella burnetii, and bacterial spores. However, glutaraldehyde is very toxic to use without the accessibility of a vented fume hood and/or personal protective equipment. Do not use glutaraldehyde in the lab to decontaminate equipment. Ethylene Oxide is often used to disinfect hospital instruments. Ethylene oxide will inactivate vegetative bacteria, fungi, lipid and non-lipid viruses, HBV, TB, Coxiella burnetii, and bacterial spores. However, Ethylene oxide is a registered carcinogen in the State of California and is very toxic to use without mechanically generated ventilation exhaust and personal protective equipment. Do not use ethylene oxide in the lab to decontaminate equipment. Figure 4. How to Clean a Contaminated SurfaceChoose disinfectant based on biological present in spill. Length of time required for contact depends upon biological and disinfectant. Dispose of materials as medical waste. Report incident as required Figure 5. Disinfectant Table Courtesy of http://www.cfsph.iastate.edu/BRM/resources/Disinfectants/CharacteristicsSelectedDisinfectants.pdf Which of the following is considered a high level disinfectant?High-level disinfectant products are typically a combination of bleach and hydrogen peroxide or a blend of peracetic acid and hydrogen peroxide. According to the CDC, some of the most common active ingredients in high-level disinfectants include the following: Peracetic acid. Hydrogen peroxide.
Which of the following is a high level disinfectant sterilant?The high level disinfectants / sterilants containing glutaraldehyde, hydrogen peroxide, peracetic acid/hydrogen peroxide and ortho-phthalaldehyde are reusable products (United States Food and Drug Administration, 2009), and must be monitored to ensure they maintain their effectiveness.
What is the highest level of sterilization?There are three levels of disinfection: high, intermediate, and low. The high-level disinfection (HLD) process kills all vegetative microorganisms, mycobacteria, lipid and nonlipid viruses, fungal spores, and some bacterial spores.
Is Iodophor a high level disinfectant?Iodophors, on the other hand, have been used both as antiseptics and disinfectants. FDA has not cleared any liquid chemical sterilant or high-level disinfectants with iodophors as the main active ingredient.
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