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Operator Cleaning and Disinfection

Disinfection of Instruments and Equipment

printable fact sheet for operators


Level
of Disinfection
When
to Use
Disinfectant
Active Ingredient(s)
Immersion
Contact
Times (Approx.)
Advantages Disadvantages
High Level Use on semi-critical items.
Items that come in contact with nonintact skin or mucous membranes but do not penetrate them.
1:10 bleach solution (1 part bleach 9 parts water) 10 minutes Fast acting Corrosive to metals
2% gluteraldehyde (not recommended) 45 minutes Not corrosive Toxic fumes
6% hydrogen peroxide 45 minutes Environmentally friendly Corrosive to metals
7% stabilized hydrogen peroxide 30 minutes Environmentally friendly Corrosive to metals
0.55% orthophthaladehyde (OPA) 10 minutes Fast acting, no mixing needed Stains proteins
Intermediate Level Use on semi-critical items. 
Items that come in contact with nonintact skin or mucous membranes but do not penetrate them.
70-90% isopropyl alcohol 10 minutes Fast acting Can damage rubber and plastics
70-90% ethyl alcohol 10 minutes Fast acting Can damage rubber and plastics.
Flammable
1:50 chlorine bleach (1 part bleach and 49 parts water) 10 minutes Fast acting Corrosive to metals
Low Level Use on non-critical items.
Items that contact intact skin and not mucous membranes, or items that do not ordinarily touch the client.
Used for routine housekeeping
3% hydrogen peroxide 10 minutes Environmentally safe Corrosive to metals
Quaternary ammonium

Follow manufacturer’s instructions Good cleaning agent for surfaces Not for instrument use
1:500 chlorine bleach (1 part bleach and 499 parts water) 10 minutes Fast acting Corrosive to metals
Phenols Follow manufacturer’s instructions Easy to obtain, cleans and disinfects Can cause tissue irritation



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Error processing SSI file
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Revised: Wednesday July 19 2023

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