Table 4. Laboratory surface disinfectants.
| Disinfectant Class | Effective against | Advantages | Disadvantages | Effect on other materials | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alcohols | Bacteria Enveloped virus Non-enveloped virus | Short contact times for effective kill rates. Cheap and easy to prepare. Low toxicity. | Flammable. Limited activity against mycobacteria. Not effective against spores. Not effective against fungi. Virucidal activity variable. Poor penetration of organic material. | Non-corrosive to metals but may damage plastics and rubber. | 70% ethanol 70% isopropyl alcohol |
| Hypochlorites (and halogen-releasing agents) | Bacteria Fungi Spores Enveloped virus Non-enveloped virus Prions | Effective against most microorganisms. Effective against prions Low toxicity. Compatible with detergents. | Toxic. Limited activity against fungi. Limited activity against mycobacteria. Rapidly inactivated by organic matter. Inactivated by anionic detergents. Solutions decompose rapidly and should be replaced frequently. | Corrosive to metals and rubber. Will stain and bleach fabrics and surfaces. | Chloros Presept |
| Phenolics | Bacteria Fungi Spores Enveloped virus Non-enveloped virus Mycobacteria | Effective against most microorganisms. Strong anti-fungal agent. | Toxic skin irritant. Not effective against some non-enveloped viruses. Inactivated by anionic detergents. Inactivated by hard water/salts. Strong odour. | Slightly corrosive to metals. Can damage many plastics. | Hycolin |
| Quaternary ammonium compounds | Bacteria Fungi Enveloped virus Non-enveloped virus Mycobacteria | Effective against most microorganisms. Low toxicity. | Not effective against some non-enveloped viruses. Not effective against spores. Long contact times required for effective kill rates. Inactivated by organic matter. Inactivated by anionic detergents. Activity reduced by hard water/salts. | Minimally corrosive Can stain surfaces. | Trigene1 Distel1 Anistel1 Chemgene HLD41 MicroSol 3+2 Klercide A1 Klercide B3 |
| Peroxygen Compounds | Bacteria Fungi Spores Enveloped virus Non-enveloped virus | Effective against most bacteria viruses and fungi. Some activity against spores and mycobacteria. | Irritant. Working solutions decompose and should be replaced every few days. | Corrosive but less than hypochlorites. | Virkon |
Notes: This chart is not intended to be a comprehensive list of all available surface disinfectants, but is a summary of the properties of those most commonly used in UK laboratories. Named commercial products are for information only with no endorsement intended or implied (also refer to the studies by McDonnell and Denver Russell (1999) and Rutala and Weber (2008)). To ensure optimum activity all surface disinfectants should be used in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. In order to discourage the development of contaminants resistant to the disinfectants it is best practice to alternate the use of different classes of disinfectant over time. To prevent corrosion, particularly on metal surfaces, residual disinfectants should be removed after the recommended exposure times by wiping surfaces with 70% alcohol.
Combination of a quaternary ammonium compounds and a biguanide.
Combination of a quaternary ammonium compounds and an amphoteric biocide.
Combination of a quaternary ammonium compounds and chlorine dioxide.