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Sterilants and High Level Disinfectants

Sterilants and High Level Disinfectants

So, you run a lab or facility that needs a simple and effective decontamination solution, but you’re confused about the equipment, materials and procedures you’ll need to get the job done?

The first question you should be asking yourself is, what does decontamination mean to you and your facility? There’s a big difference between eliminating targeted pathogens, versus eliminating all organisms from your lab or facility and which one you choose will make a crucial difference in an effective decon gameplan.

From a chemical perspective, the two key terms you’re going to want to identify and differentiate are sterilants and disinfectants.

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Disinfection and sterilization are both decontamination processes. While disinfection is the process of eliminating or reducing harmful microorganisms from inanimate objects and surfaces, sterilization is the process of killing all microorganisms. In other words, both sterilization and disinfection are types of decontamination, but sterilization decontaminates to a much higher degree.

Disinfectants are chemical agents applied to non-living objects in order to destroy bacteria, viruses, fungi, mold, mildew or other harmful microorganisms. Each individual disinfectant includes an “active ingredient” in their formula. This is what kills the pathogens you need to eliminate from your facility, usually by disrupting or damaging a microorganism’s cells. In addition to the active ingredients, disinfectants also add other ingredients for various purposes such as surfactants, detergents and wetting agents. Some disinfectants may be effective in a narrower spectrum, but may be easier to use, or more cost effective for your particular needs.

Sterilants also destroy the spores of various organisms present on surfaces, in liquids, in medication, or biological culture media. Sterilization refers to both chemical sterilants, like chlorine dioxide, as well as other forms, such as heat, radiation, pressure, or filtration. Such “extreme” forms of decontamination are needed during critical times like surgery, or in environments like industrial, laboratory or healthcare. It is more practical to use disinfection in everyday life.

Now, that isn’t to say that using chemical sterilants is better decontamination solution for you just because they kill a wider range of microorganisms. For example, the downside of chemical sterilants is that they can be toxic to the employees in your facility and carcinogenic to the materials and equipment housed there. It may be the case that a chemical disinfectant is more appropriate for your needs. To learn more, contact your Quip Labs representative for a QuipDecon consultation today.

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