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Operator Cleaning and Disinfection
Disinfection of Instruments and Equipment
printable fact sheet for operators
Level
of Disinfection |
When
to Use |
Disinfectant
Active Ingredient(s) |
Immersion
Contact
Times (Approx.) |
Advantages |
Disadvantages |
High Level |
Use on semi-critical items.
Items that come in contact with nonintact skin or mucous membranes but do not penetrate them. |
1:10 bleach solution (1 part bleach 9 parts water) |
10 minutes |
Fast acting |
Corrosive to metals |
2% gluteraldehyde (not recommended) |
45 minutes |
Not corrosive |
Toxic fumes |
6% hydrogen peroxide |
45 minutes |
Environmentally friendly |
Corrosive to metals |
7% stabilized hydrogen peroxide |
30 minutes |
Environmentally friendly |
Corrosive to metals |
0.55% orthophthaladehyde (OPA) |
10 minutes |
Fast acting, no mixing needed |
Stains proteins |
Intermediate Level |
Use on semi-critical items.
Items that come in contact with nonintact skin or mucous membranes but do not penetrate them. |
70-90% isopropyl alcohol |
10 minutes |
Fast acting |
Can damage rubber and plastics |
70-90% ethyl alcohol |
10 minutes |
Fast acting |
Can damage rubber and plastics.
Flammable |
1:50 chlorine bleach (1 part bleach and 49 parts water) |
10 minutes |
Fast acting |
Corrosive to metals |
Low Level |
Use on non-critical items.
Items that contact intact skin and not mucous membranes, or items that do not ordinarily touch the client.
Used for routine housekeeping |
3% hydrogen peroxide |
10 minutes |
Environmentally safe |
Corrosive to metals |
Quaternary ammonium
|
Follow manufacturer’s instructions |
Good cleaning agent for surfaces |
Not for instrument use |
1:500 chlorine bleach (1 part bleach and 499 parts water) |
10 minutes |
Fast acting |
Corrosive to metals |
Phenols |
Follow manufacturer’s instructions |
Easy to obtain, cleans and disinfects |
Can cause tissue irritation |
|
Error processing SSI file
Error processing SSI file