Infection Control · single question
Which class of chemical agent is appropriate as an intermediate-level disinfectant for clinical contact SURFACES?
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Correct answer: B. A phenolic compound
- A. Chlorhexidine is an antiseptic for living tissue (skin and mucosa), not an environmental surface disinfectant.
- B. Correct. PHENOLICS (synthetic phenol derivatives) are EPA-registered intermediate-level surface disinfectants — tuberculocidal, effective against a broad spectrum, with good residual activity and reasonable material compatibility for clinical contact surfaces. Other acceptable surface disinfectants include iodophors, quaternary ammonium-alcohol combinations and diluted sodium hypochlorite.
- C. Sterile saline has no antimicrobial activity whatsoever.
- D. Glutaraldehyde is a high-level disinfectant/chemical sterilant for HEAT-SENSITIVE INSTRUMENTS. It is far too toxic for surfaces and must never be used as a surface disinfectant.
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