Disinfectants and Their Properties

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What factor plays a crucial role in determining the degree of killing when using disinfectants and sterilants?

Type of organisms (correct)

Biofilms

Presence of organic material

Nature of surface to be disinfected

Which type of organisms are known to be the most resistant to the actions of heat, chemicals, and radiation?

Prions (correct)

Mycobacteria

Bacterial endospores

Viruses with lipid-rich envelopes

What is a characteristic of mycobacteria that may account for their resistance to chemical and environmental stresses?

Rich in dipicolinic acid

Rich in lipids (correct)

Rich in carbohydrates

Rich in proteins

Which type of disinfectants are more effective against viruses containing lipid-rich envelopes?

Alcohols Signup and view all the answers

Which factor influences the susceptibility of prions to destruction when using disinfectants?

Temperature Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic makes aldehydes such as glutaraldehyde effective as disinfectants?

Broad spectrum of activity Signup and view all the answers

Which type of disinfectant works by reducing the surface tension of molecules in a liquid?

Quaternary Ammonium Compounds Signup and view all the answers

What is the main use of phenolics in disinfection?

Disinfecting hospital, institutional, and household environments Signup and view all the answers

Why are quaternary ammonium compounds limited to disinfection of noncritical surfaces?

They are not effective against spores or tuberculosis bacteria Signup and view all the answers

Which disinfectant is used in the form of liquid sodium hypochlorite?

Chlorine compounds Signup and view all the answers

What is the characteristic of heavy metals disinfectants that has led to their replacement in clinical applications?

Safety concerns Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of detergents when added to phenol formulations?

Make products that clean and disinfect in one step Signup and view all the answers

What factor determines the exposure time necessary for 99.9% elimination of microorganisms?

Number of Organisms Signup and view all the answers

Which factor influences the amount of disinfectant needed to destroy microorganisms?

Concentration of Disinfecting Agent Signup and view all the answers

How does organic material affect killing activity when disinfecting agents are applied?

Inactivates the disinfecting agent Signup and view all the answers

What can happen if concentrated disinfectants, like povidone-iodine, are not used correctly?

They allow microorganisms to survive Signup and view all the answers

Which type of disinfecting agent is easily inactivated by organic material like blood or mucus?

Alcohols Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to follow manufacturers' instructions on preparation, dilution, and use of disinfectants?

To ensure proper concentrations for target organism inactivation Signup and view all the answers