How can you determine if a disinfectant is effective?

To assess a disinfectant's effectiveness, evaluate its ability to kill or inactivate specific pathogens, adherence to recommended contact times, and compliance with regulatory standards, such as those set by health agencies.

It is recommended that there be obvious differences on the label depending on the product to avoid confusion from the operator (colors, font size,...). It may seem like a minor aspect, but the safety department will benefit from avoiding accidents, and it will prevent the rotations described in the SOP from deviating from what is established.

Although biocides are formulated to leave as little residue as possible, almost all of them leave residues to a greater or lesser extent that can force the appearance of rouging or corrosion on metal surfaces, or damage other type of surfaces. A residue removal program will be needed. This will be more or less intense depending on the choice of biocide and its frequency of use. This removal is usually carried out with a specifically formulated detergent and/or water, although in very specific cases and in limited quantities, alcohol could be used. Alcohol should be used with caution due to the emission of vapors, which can be dangerous for operators.

Efficacy is the most important factor on determining the effectiveness of any disinfection. The 2nd factor is safety. Is the disinfectant non-toxic, non-hazardous to human, animals and plants.

The term disinfectant refers its efficiency to kill micro organisms. Next is very crucial i.e. its safety to human beings

There are several key factors to consider. Some of them are: a) Have the autochthonous strains identified, as well as their trends. b) Obtain pieces of the original surfaces of the facilities to carry out the laboratory testing c) Check the contact time of the biocide in real conditions (sometimes the label does not reflect the real conditions on the selected surfaces). d) Define logarithmic reduction acceptance criteria e) Test a minimum of two disinfectant batches, recommending three batches. f) Not all surfaces achieve the same logarithmic reduction. g) Once all the efficacy studies have been carried out in the laboratory, it is necessary to test the products “in situ” with the real procedure that will be carried out in the facility.

Any biocide that is purchased ready-to-use will always be more convenient, safe, robust and reproducible in use. Some aspects to consider are the following: a) If a concentrated format is used, are personnel trained to correctly prepare biocides? b) Do operators have adequate safety and prevention measures? At least gloves, a mask and protective glasses should always be used during the use or handling of biocides. When preparing concentrated biocides, the use of anti-splash aprons would be recommended. c) The more capacity the container has, the more difficult it will be for the operator to work as it is heavier. d) Updated safety data sheet. The user must have it accessible in a language that can be understood.

There are different formats available on the market (ready to use, concentrated or presaturated in wipes or mops). Ready-to-use or presaturated formats have a greater economic impact, but at the same time the risks in their preparation and dilution are reduced. An intermediate point is usually the use of small concentrated single-dose bottles, since the economic impact is lower and the risks are moderately higher if we compare them with ready-to-use or presaturated formats. The quality of the water and manufacturing process have a significant impact on the cost of the biocide.

Disinfectants are used in many different situations, so judging effectiveness must be done on a case-by -case basis. Correct chemical makeup, concentration, application, and proper safe end result.