Which of the following is an adequate chemical disinfectant used to clean surfaces?

Which of the following is an adequate chemical disinfectant used to clean surfaces?

• A. Sodium hypochlorite
• B. Oxirane
• C. Formaldehyde
• D. Isoflurane

Answer: (A)

Cleaning surfaces in healthcare and home environments relies on a chemical that acts quickly across a broad range of pathogens while being practical to use on common materials. Sodium hypochlorite fits this role well because it is a chlorine-based oxidizer that inactivates bacteria, viruses, and fungi with relatively short contact times when applied at appropriate dilutions. In practice, a diluted bleach solution (for surfaces) is commonly used, and it’s important to pre-clean first to remove organic material since organic matter can reduce efficacy. Fresh solutions should be prepared and applied with adequate ventilation, and never mixed with ammonia or acids due to dangerous gas production. While it is effective on many surfaces, some materials may corrode or discolor, and it should be used per label instructions. Oxirane (ethylene oxide) is mainly a sterilant for certain equipment and not a routine surface disinfectant. Formaldehyde is a strong disinfectant/sterilant but its toxicity and carcinogenic potential limit its use to specific settings, not general surface cleaning. Isoflurane is an inhaled anesthetic with no disinfectant properties.

Cleaning surfaces in healthcare and home environments relies on a chemical that acts quickly across a broad range of pathogens while being practical to use on common materials. Sodium hypochlorite fits this role well because it is a chlorine-based oxidizer that inactivates bacteria, viruses, and fungi with relatively short contact times when applied at appropriate dilutions. In practice, a diluted bleach solution (for surfaces) is commonly used, and it’s important to pre-clean first to remove organic material since organic matter can reduce efficacy. Fresh solutions should be prepared and applied with adequate ventilation, and never mixed with ammonia or acids due to dangerous gas production. While it is effective on many surfaces, some materials may corrode or discolor, and it should be used per label instructions.

Oxirane (ethylene oxide) is mainly a sterilant for certain equipment and not a routine surface disinfectant. Formaldehyde is a strong disinfectant/sterilant but its toxicity and carcinogenic potential limit its use to specific settings, not general surface cleaning. Isoflurane is an inhaled anesthetic with no disinfectant properties.