Chemical Means of Disinfecting

This set of flashcards covers key vocabulary and concepts related to chemical means of disinfecting and controlling microbial growth.

Disinfectant

A chemical substance used to kill or inhibit the growth of harmful microorganisms.

Use-dilution test

A method to evaluate the effectiveness of disinfectants by determining the maximum dilution that remains effective against bacteria.

Zone of inhibition

The area surrounding a disinfectant disk on an agar plate where bacteria cannot grow, indicating the effectiveness of the disinfectant.

Phenol

A carbolic acid used historically as a disinfectant, though less common today due to irritation issues.

Phenolic compounds

Derivatives of phenol that are modified to reduce irritation and are effective disinfectants, such as O-phenylphenol.

Bisphenols

Compounds formed by joining two phenols, often with antimicrobial properties, used in products like antibacterial soaps.

Biguanides

Antimicrobial agents that disrupt the plasma membrane, commonly used in pre-surgical scrubs.

Halogens

Elements like chlorine and iodine used in disinfectants for their antimicrobial properties.

Aldehydes

Strong antimicrobials that can denature proteins, commonly used for sterilizing instruments and preserving tissue.

Oligodynamic action

The antimicrobial effect exerted by trace amounts of heavy metals on bacteria.

Disk diffusion test

A laboratory method to evaluate the effectiveness of antibiotics or disinfectants by measuring the inhibition zone around a disk impregnated with a substance.

Iodophore

A complex of iodine and a solubilizing agent, used as a disinfectant and antiseptic that releases iodine slowly.

Tincture

of iodine in alcohol, used as a topical antiseptic that provides rapid disinfection and reduces infection risk.