Disinfectant Wipes & Spray / Germicide Cleaners

What is a Disinfectant?

A disinfectant is an antimicrobial agent, generally in liquid form, which is used on non-living objects to destroy or prevent the growth of germs. It is designed to prevent the growth of disease by eradicating living microorganisms such as harmful bacteria (also known as pathogens) and fungi. Disinfectants generally have a higher concentration of biocides (which destroy both pathogens and non-pathogens) & are therefore more toxic than antiseptics, and can be harmful to human beings. The disinfecting products in this category are generally applied to environmental surfaces, and not to skin.

Disinfectant formulas need to be registered with the EPA.

There are three levels of hospital grade disinfectants:

• Low-Level Disinfectants: These hospital disinfectants are not sporicidal (effective in killing spores) or tuberculocidal (effective in killing TB), but can kill most other microorganisms. Low-level disinfectants are not used to disinfect patient-care surfaces, but they are used on floors, walls, and some countertops.
• Intermediate-Level Disinfectants: Used as surface disinfectants, these are are tuberculocidal and effective against other disease-producing microbes, but they don’t kill bacterial spores.
• High-Level Disinfection / Sterilants: Sterilants such as glutaraldehyde or formaldehyde are important for destroying all microbial life when spores and hard-to-kill viruses pose a threat or risk to patients. Unlike other disinfecting wipes, high level disinfectants eradicate TB, bacteria, fungi, viruses, & many bacterial spores. These disinfectants, marketed as sterilants by the FDA, should not for be used for surface disinfection; rather, they are to be used as immersion products for items that can’t be heat-sterilized.

Disinfectants Vs. Antiseptics Vs. Sanitizers

What’s the difference between disinfectants, antiseptics, and sanitizers?

Disinfectants are powerful chemical compounds used to eradicate germs as much as possible. Sanitizers won’t entirely kill bacteria; they merely reduce the rate of its occurrence. They are safer for use on hands than disinfectant. Disinfectants and sanitizers are both used for sterilizing and cleaning purposes and can be harmful to the body.

In contrast, antiseptics are intended to be applied to a person’s - or animal’s - tissue or skin to prevent infection, as well as heal and protect wounds. Antiseptics are found in nearly all hospitals and healthcare facilities since they prepare and cleanse wounds optimally and effectively. Visit our skin protection and cleansers category for a wide selection of antiseptic products.

How to Choose the Proper Disinfectant

Selecting the right disinfectant is the only way the surface you plan to clean will be properly disinfected. Here are several criteria that will help you choose the best disinfectant solutions according to your needs.

• The disinfectant will destroy healthcare-related pathogens.
• The disinfectant has an acceptable wet-contact time, yet fast kill time, so that the pathogens will be gone before the disinfecting solution dries.
• There are low risks involved with using it.
• It has the lowest toxic rating that’s strong enough to enable proper disinfection. (Toxicity ratings for disinfectants are danger, warning, caution, and none.)
• It is durable and easy to use.
• It comes with proper usage instructions.

What are the Types of Disinfectant Products?

Common disinfectant products for healthcare include disinfectant wipes, disinfectant spray, germicidal solutions, sterilants, and other items designed to cleanse, disinfect and sanitize non-living objects and surfaces.

Browse through the broad selection of disinfectants at AvaCare Medical today to find the best disinfecting sprays and any other medical supplies you need for your home, office or healthcare facility.

If you need any help choosing, dial 1.877.813.7799, and our customer service reps will happily help you out.