Low-Level of Disinfection
- Low-level of disinfection kills some viruses, bacteria and fungi
- When to use
- Use on non-critical items
- Use on items that contact intact skin and not mucous membranes, or items that do not ordinarily touch the client
- May be used for routine housekeeping
Active ingredients for this low level disinfectant
- 1:500 chlorine bleach solution
- 1 part bleach and 499 parts water
- 100 ppm (parts per million)
Immersion contact times (approximate)
- 10 minutes
Advantages
- Inexpensive
- Fast acting
Disadvantages
- Corrodes metal
- May destroy adhesives with prolonged soaking
Active ingredient for this low level disinfectant
- 3% hydrogen peroxide
Immersion contact times (approximate)
- 10 minutes
Advantages
- Environmentally safe
Disadvantages
- Oxidizing properties may be destructive to some equipment (brass, zinc, copper, nickel and silver)
- May destroy adhesives with prolonged soaking
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 tissue irritation even when thoroughly rinsed
- For environmental surfaces only
Active ingredient for this low-level disinfectant
- Quaternary ammonium
Immersion contact times (approximate)
- Follow manufacturer’s instructions
Advantages
- Good cleaning agent for environmental surfaces
Disadvantages
- Cannot be used on instruments
- Not recommended as an antiseptic
Related Information
Print Versions Available Upon Request in the Following Languages
For a copy of this document in the following languages, please email us at BodySafe@toronto.ca
- 中文 / Chinese
- 한국어 / Korean
- Tiếng Việt / Vietnamese
