For a disinfectant to be effective the following factors are to be considered

   For a disinfectant to be effective the following factors are to be considered:

ü   Nature of what is to be disinfected

ü   Number of microorganisms and time (the higher the number the longer the time)

ü   Resistance of microorganisms

ü   Concentration used

ü   Kind of surface smooth or rough (rough requires longer time)

ü   Temperature and exposure time in relation to specific items

ü   Presence of organic materials

•               Selection Criteria for Disinfectants

ü   Whether bactericidal or bacterial static

ü   Rapid activity

ü   Non corrosive

ü   Cost effectiveness and availability

ü   Stable when in contact with organic matter

ü   Active against a wide range of microorganisms

ü   Not damaging to instruments

ü   Easily biodegradable and less corrosive to the sewage system

ü   Less volatile and non toxic when it enters the atmosphere

Ø   When someone is reading manufacturer’s instructions before acquiring antiseptics and disinfectants for use, the following are things to note;

ü   Expiry date

ü   Label of container (well labeled with correct generic name of the disinfectant)

ü   Cover should explain the type of agent and not be torn

ü   Instructions on how to dilute (if not followed can damage instruments or equipment)

ü   Cautions of use

•               Storage and Dispensing Conditions for Disinfectants

v   Accepted by the government

v   On disposal should not be hazardous to the community

v   Supply in small quantity, easy to handle

v   Establish schedule for preparing solution in small quantities for daily use

v   Cover container to prevent evaporation and contamination

v   Ensure container is labeled and read manufacture safety data sheet

v   Wash reusable containers well

v   Store in a cool and safe place

•               Products That Should Not Be Used as Disinfectants

ü   Many antiseptic solutions are used incorrectly as disinfectants

ü   Although antiseptics (sometimes called ‘skin disinfectants’) are adequate for cleansing skin before surgical procedures, they are not appropriate for disinfecting surgical instruments

ü   They do not reliably destroy bacteria, viruses or endospores.

ü   For example Savlon (chlorhexidine gluconate with or without cetrimide), which is readily available worldwide, is often mistakenly used as a disinfectant

Ø   Antiseptics that should not be used as disinfectants:

ü   Acridine derivatives (e.g. gentian or crystal violet)

ü   Cetrimide (e.g. Cetavlon®)

ü   Chlorhexidine gluconate and cetrimide in various concentrations (e.g. Savlon)

ü   Chlorhexidine gluconate (e.g. Hibiscrub, Hibitane)

ü   Chlorinated lime and boric acid (e.g., Eusol®)

ü   Chloroxylenol in alcohol (e.g. Dettol)

ü   Hexachlorophene (e.g. pHisoHex)

ü   Mercury compounds

v   Mercury solutions (such as mercury laurel), although low-level disinfectants, cause birth defects and are too toxic to use as either disinfectants or antiseptics

v   Other products frequently used to disinfect equipment are 1–2% phenol (e.g. Phenol®),5% carbolic acid (Lysol®) and benzalkonium chloride, a quaternary ammonium compound (Zephiran®)

v   These are low-level disinfectants and should be used only to decontaminate environmental surfaces (e.g. floors or walls)