A chemical agent used on non-living objects (e.g., floors, walls, sinks) to destroy virtually all recognized pathogenic microorganisms, but not necessarily all microbial forms (e.g., bacterial endospores).  The EPA groups disinfectants on whether the product label claims "limited," "general" or "hospital" disinfectant.  Disinfection is generally a less lethal process than sterilization.  It eliminates nearly all recognized pathogenic microorganisms but not necessarily all microbial forms (e.g., bacterial spores) on inanimate objects.  Disinfection does not ensure an “overkill'' and therefore lacks the margin of safety achieved by sterilization procedures. 

The effectiveness of a disinfection procedure is controlled significantly by a number of factors, each one of which may have a pronounced effect on the end result.  Among these are:

• the nature and number of contaminating microorganisms (especially the presence of bacterial spores);

• the amount of organic matter present (e.g., soil, feces, and blood);

• the type and condition of instruments, devices, and materials to be disinfected;

• the temperature.

Disinfection is a procedure that reduces the level of microbial contamination, but there is a broad range of activity that extends from sterility at one extreme to a minimal reduction in the number of microbial contaminants at the other.  By definition, chemical disinfection and in particular, high-level disinfection differs from chemical sterilization by its lack of sporicidal power.  This is an over simplification of the actual situation because a few chemical germicides used as disinfectants do, in fact, kill large numbers of spores even though high concentrations and several hours of exposure may be required.  Non-sporicidal disinfectants may differ in their capacity to accomplish disinfection or decontamination.  Some germicides rapidly kill only the ordinary vegetative forms of bacteria such as staphylococci and streptococci, some forms of fungi, and lipid containing viruses, whereas others are effective against such relatively resistant organisms as Mycobacterium tuberculosis var. bovis, non-lipid viruses, and most forms of fungi.

Many disinfectants are used alone or in combinations (e.g., hydrogen peroxide and peracetic acid) in the health-care setting.  These include alcohols, chlorine and chlorine compounds, formaldehyde, glutaraldehyde, ortho-phthalaldehyde, hydrogen peroxide, iodophors, peracetic acid, phenolics, and quaternary ammonium compounds.  Commercial formulations based on these chemicals are considered unique products and must be registered with EPA or cleared by FDA. In most instances, a given product is designed for a specific purpose and is to be used in a certain manner.  Therefore, users should read labels carefully to ensure the correct product is selected for the intended use and applied efficiently.  See the complete recommendations on sterilizer and disinfection at www.cdc.gov “Guideline for Disinfection and Sterilization in Healthcare Facilities, 2008”.

ATS, Inc. stocks sterility assurance products – see Supplies.

DID YOU KNOW?

§       Autoclave Testing Service, Inc. is one of the first companies nationwide to offer a Mail-In sterilizer monitoring service using biological indicators.  Serving the healthcare industry throughout the United States and Canada since 1986, we have thousands of satisfied customers.

§       We have on-line test results allowing you to access your results at your convenience!  Your Sterilizer Test Report (STR) is posted on-line upon completion of culturing, offering minimum turn-around time.

§       We have 24-hour test results for Steam sterilizers!

§       We have a comprehensive Glossary of Terms related to the sterile processing area (scroll below to view the Glossary).  This is invaluable information, assisting you with this important area of your facility.

ATS, Inc. now stocks sterilization pouches, sterilizer cleaners, chemical indicator products, sterilizers (new and used), ultrasonic cleaners, water distillers, and more!  (see Supplies).