Low-Level Disinfection

Low-level disinfection kills some viruses, bacteria, and fungi but not mycobacteria or spores.

Intermediate and low-level disinfectants (except chlorine bleach) must have a Drug Identification Number (DIN) or Natural Product Number (NPN) on the label.

When to Use

  • Use on non-critical items and environmental surfaces.
  • Use on items that do not directly contact the client or contact only hair or intact skin.

Remember the following:

  • The solution must be made fresh daily to preserve strength
  • The bottle must be labelled
  • Clean before applying the disinfectant
  • Follow the contact time
  • Household bleach is 5.25% sodium hypochlorite solution

Active ingredients for this low-level disinfectant

Immersion contact times (approximate)

  • 10 minutes

Advantages

  • Inexpensive
  • Fast-acting

Disadvantages

  • Corrodes metal
  • May destroy adhesives with prolonged soaking
  • Solution is to be made daily

Active ingredient for this low level disinfectant

  • 3% hydrogen peroxide

Immersion contact times (approximate)

  • 10 minutes

Advantages

  • Inexpensive
  • Fast-acting
  • Environmentally-friendly

Disadvantages

  • May be destructive to some metals

Active ingredient for this low level disinfectant

  • 0.5% hydrogen peroxide (enhanced action formulation)

Immersion contact times (approximate)

  • Follow manufacturer’s instructions

Advantages

  • Inexpensive
  • Fast-acting
  • Environmentally-friendly
  • Non-toxic
  • Cleans and disinfects
  • Available in a wipe

Disadvantages

  • May be destructive to some equipment/metals

Active ingredient for this low-level disinfectant

  • Phenols

Immersion contact times (approximate)

  • Follow manufacturer’s instructions

Advantages

  • Easy to obtain
  • Cleans and disinfects

Disadvantages

  • Residual phenols on porous materials may cause irritation
  • For environmental surfaces only

Active ingredient for this low-level disinfectant

  • Quaternary ammonium

Immersion contact times (approximate)

  • 10 minutes
  • Follow manufacturer’s instructions

Advantages

  • Good cleaning agent for environmental surfaces

Disadvantages

  • Limited use as disinfectant
  • Not recommended as an antiseptic

More information