Sterilization and Disinfectioncontinued Clinical Microbiology Review 140
Glutaraldehyde
Hydrogen peroxide
Iodine & iodophors
Phenolics
Quaternary ammonium
compounds
Gases
Ethylene oxide
Effective against most vegetative cells other than mycobacteria. Used for cold sterilization of items damaged by
heat, e.g., inhalation therapy equipment, equipment with optical lenses such as endoscopes.
3% solution used as antiseptic
Iodophors (e.g., povidone-iodine) release iodine slowly & are less irritating & nonstaining. Effective skin antiseptics.
Don’t kill spores. Other disinfectants are evaluated by comparing effectiveness to phenol. “Phenol coefficient.”
Effective against wide range of vegetative bacteria. Not effective against spores, mycobacteria, or nonenveloped
viruses. Used to disinfect floors, walls, furniture.
Widely used in hospitals to sterilize materials that can’t withstand steam.
