STERILE PROCESSING DISINFECTANTS

Quaternary Ammonium Compounds (Quats)

Low-level disinfectant

Disrupt cell membranes

Used on surfaces (floors, furniture, bed rails)

Not effective vs spores, TB, non-enveloped viruses

Phenolics

Intermediate-level

Damage cell walls & proteins

Used on surfaces & non-critical equipment

Avoid in neonatal areas

Alcohol

Intermediate-level

Denatures proteins

Used on skin & small equipment

Fast acting, evaporates, not sporicidal

Halogens

Intermediate-level

Oxidize microbes

Used for water & surfaces

Broad activity, inactivated by organic matter

Glutaraldehyde

High-level disinfectant

Used for heat-sensitive devices (endoscopes)

Requires ventilation & monitoring

Ortho-phthalaldehyde (OPA)

High-level disinfectant

Used for endoscopes

Faster & less irritating than glutaraldehyde

Hydrogen Peroxide

Intermediate or high-level

Oxidizing agent

Used for surfaces & device sterilization

Environmentally friendly

Peracetic Acid

High-level / sterilant

Strong oxidizer

Used for instruments & endoscopes

Works even with organic matter

Chlorine

Intermediate-level

Used for blood spills & surfaces

Very effective but corrosive

Iodophors

Intermediate-level

Used for skin prep

Less irritating than iodine

Chlorhexidine

Low-intermediate

Used for skin & hand antiseptic

Long-lasting effect

Formaldehyde

High-level / sterilant

Used for preservation & sterilization

Toxic, potential carcinogen