Tables and Figure: Table 2

Guideline for Disinfection and Sterilization in Healthcare Facilities (2008)

Properties of an ideal disinfectant

  • Broad spectrum: should have a wide antimicrobial spectrum
  • Fast acting: should produce a rapid kill
  • Not affected by environmental factors: should be active in the presence of organic matter (e.g., blood, sputum, feces) and compatible with soaps, detergents, and other chemicals encountered in use
  • Nontoxic: should not be harmful to the user or patient
  • Surface compatibility: should not corrode instruments and metallic surfaces and should not cause the deterioration of cloth, rubber, plastics, and other materials
  • Residual effect on treated surfaces: should leave an antimicrobial film on the treated surface
  • Easy to use with clear label directions
  • Odorless: should have a pleasant odor or no odor to facilitate its routine use
  • Economical: should not be prohibitively high in cost
  • Solubility: should be soluble in water
  • Stability: should be stable in concentrate and use-dilution
  • Cleaner: should have good cleaning properties
  • Environmentally friendly: should not damage the environment on disposal
Modified from Molinari.1035

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