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Infection Control · single question

Which criterion BEST indicates the efficiency of a disinfectant for use in a dental operatory?

  1. Its ability to kill spores
  2. Its alcohol concentration
  3. Its ability to kill Mycobacterium tuberculosis (tuberculocidal)
  4. Its ability to kill all fungi
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Correct answer: C. Its ability to kill Mycobacterium tuberculosis (tuberculocidal)

  • A. Spore-killing ability defines a sterilant, not a mid-level or high-level disinfectant.
  • B. Alcohol concentration alone does not determine overall disinfection level — other active ingredients and contact time matter.
  • C. Correct. Tuberculocidal activity (ability to kill Mycobacterium tuberculosis) is the benchmark standard for high-level disinfection. If a disinfectant can kill M. tuberculosis, it is considered effective against most other pathogens encountered in dentistry (HIV, HBV, fungi, etc.).
  • D. Antifungal activity alone is insufficient to classify a disinfectant's efficiency.

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