Liquids
|
|
Agent
|
Purpose ,
Antiseptic & Disinfectant activity,
|
1. Alcohols
70% ethanol,
70% isopropyl alcohol
(Up to 95% can be used but not in the pure
form)
|
Kills – most vegetative bacteria, fungi
& viruses
Inactive
against spores of bacteria & fungi
1.
Skin disinfectant for
venepuncture, cannula insertion & IM injections.
2.
Disinfection of thermometers
and surfaces.
3.
Can be used as a base for other
bactericides.
eg:
Chlorhexidine, Iodine, Triclosan - For
pre-operation skin disinfection
-
eg: 0.5% chlorhexidine in 95%
ethanol
|
2. Aldehydes
*Gluteraldehyde (Cidex)
2% gluteraldehyde is very commonly used in
hospitals.
|
Kills – all organisms & spores
1.
2% Gluteraldehyde is used to
disinfect heat sensitive instruments
eg. Fiber optic
endoscopes , Dialysis equipment,
Plastic tubing.
1.
Gluteraldehyde – inactivated
less by organic matter.
2.
Need proper cleaning of
instruments before dipping.
3.
Tubes must be totally immersed
& completely filed.
4.
Non corrosive
5.
Irritant to skin, eyes &
mucous membrane – need proper washing with sterile water after immersion.
6.
Acidic solutions are slower
sporicides than alkaline solutions.
7.
Should be used within 14 days
or discarded following 20 immersions even before 14 days.
|
*Formaldehyde
|
Decontaminate postmortem rooms, &
laboratories.(fumigation)
|
