Laboratory Practices

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Disinfectants

Alcohols

Advantages	Disadvantages
highly effective bactericides effective tuberculocidal agents effective virucidal agents time to kill - in seconds pleasant odor evaporation without residue formation non-staining cleansing activity easily obtainable and used generally nontoxic non-irritating inexpensive stable when stored properly non-allergenic	nonsporicidal activity against hydrophilic viruses questionable skin and mucous membrane irritation organic matter interference volatile flammable some incompatibility with rubber and plastic materials inventory and procurement problems not registered as a disinfectant by EPA

 

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Chlorine Compounds

Advantages	Disadvantages
wide spectrum of rapid biocidal properties deodorizing/sanitizing properties facility of handling and use low levels of toxicity and irritancy insignificant residues non-staining and colorless acceptable odor low cost	sporicidal properties questionable skin irritation on prolonged contact possible bronchial irritation from inhalation general caustic effects corrosion of metals Product deterioration on standing bleaching effect on fabrics non-wetting action not registered as disinfectant by EPA possible CO-carcinogenic properties

 

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Formaldehyde

Advantages	Disadvantages
wide spectrum of biocidal properties excellent vapor phase disinfectant paraformaldehyde can be rapidly neutralized active in the presence of organic matter relatively inexpensive readily available stable when properly stored registered as a disinfectant by EPA	extremely pungent and suffocating odor skin and mucous membrane irritant can cause allergic dermatitis

 

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Glutaraldehyde

Advantages	Disadvantages
broad spectrum of antimicrobial properties relatively rapid disinfecting action - 10 minutes good activity in presence of organic matter comparability with metal, rubber, and plastic materials low volatility (vapor pressure like water) nonflammable EPA registered as disinfectant EPA registered as a sporicide	activation required rinsing required to remove residual disinfectant slightly to moderately toxic tissue irritation (especially to eyes and mucous membranes) not recommended for carbon steel surfaces definite shelf-life can cause allergic contact dermatitis

 

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Iodophors

Advantages	Disadvantages
powerful germicidal properties of iodine readily miscible with water relatively free of toxicity and irritancy almost colorless and nonstaining safe and convenient to use powerful detergent action stable in storage generally non-corrosive EPA registered as a disinfectant	corrosiveness of some surfaces unstable above 54 oC relatively expensive not considered instrument-safe

 

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Phenolics

Advantages	Disadvantages
Wide spectrum of antimicrobial activity Readily miscible with additives (e.g. soap) Many formulations available Good cleansing action Good sanitizer/germicide for housekeeping EPA registered as a disinfectant Phenol coefficient readily attainable	Relatively poor sporicide Possesses unpleasant odor skin and mucous membrane irritant Toxic Inactivated by organic matter Materials incompatible (stains and odors) Relatively expensive

 

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Quaternary Ammonium Compounds

Advantages

Disadvantages

Good disinfectant action - Gram (+) microbes Possess detergent and surfactant properties Soluble in water and alcohol Almost odorless (pleasant aromatic smell) Generally nontoxic and non-allergenic Materials compatible Easily prepared and used Useful for sanitizing applications EPA registered as a disinfectant Inexpensive

Decreased activity against Gram (-) microbes Lack tuberculocidal properties No sporicidal activity Poor activity against hydrophilic viruses Poor activity against pseudomonads Development of resistant bacterial strains Not effective against all nosocomial infections Incompatible with soaps Substantial interference by organic matter Inactivated by stoppers, gauze, cotton, etc. Reports of contact dermatitis

 

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