Intermediate-level disinfection kills most bacteria, fungi, viruses, and mycobacteria (tuberculodial) but not bacterial 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 that require intermediate level disinfection.
  • Use on items intended to contact only intact skin by may accidently come into contact with non-intact skin or mucous membranes or penetrate skin.

Active ingredient for this intermediate-level of disinfection

  • 70% to 90% isopropyl or ethyl alcohol
  • Not to be used for foot baths.

Immersion contact times (approximate)

  • 10 minutes
  • Do not dilute

Advantages

  • Fast-acting
  • Leaves no residue

Disadvantages

  • Can damage rubber and plastics
  • Flammable
  • Evaporates quickly
  • Prepare daily

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 (50,000ppm available chlorine)

Active ingredient for this intermediate-level of disinfection

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 intermediate-level of disinfection

  • 0.5% hydrogen peroxide (enhanced action formulation) with efficacy claims against tuberculosis (TB) or mycobacteria.

Immersion contact times (approximate)

  • three to five minutes
  • 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

More information