Disinfection
Overview
Disinfection is an activity that requires laying down suitable disinfectants on desired surfaces so as to meet label specified contact times to achieve the desired kill rate. It is advisable to supplement the regular use of a bactericidal/fungicidal disinfectant with periodic use of a sporicidal agent, either on a weekly or monthly basis. However, daily application of sporicidal agents is generally not preferred due to their potential to corrode equipment/panels and the associated safety concerns with prolonged exposure for operators.
Alcohols
Alcohols kill bacteria and fungi but not spores (microbes with a tough outer coat). Alcohol is used in all pharmaceutical Clean Rooms because it evaporates quickly and leaves very little residue.
Rotationals
Water based disinfectants kill bacteria and fungi. Water based disinfectants are good for mopping. These products can be used in cleanrooms in rotation with sporicides.
Sporicides
Sporicides kill everything. They act on microbes with a tough outer coat that alcohols and rotationals fail to kill. They’re not the best to clean due to their leaving heavy residues which is why they’re used only periodically in turns with rotationals.