Quantity and location of the microorganisms. As the bioburden increases, the amount of time that a disinfectant needs to act also increases. Therefore, it is fundamental to carry out a scrupulous cleaning of the instruments’ surfaces. This holds particularly true for instruments with multiple components, which should be disassembled and cleaned part by part.
Resistance of microorganisms to the chemical agent. This refers primarily to the spectrum of action of the method or agent used. Concentration of the agents. This refers to each agent’s potential strength to produce the expected action. Concentrations vary with respect to disinfecting agents and can be related in some cases to a deleterious effect on the material (corrosion).
Physical and chemical factors. Some disinfectants specify the temperature at which they need to be used in order to be effective. The pH level favors the action of disinfectants.
Organic matter. The presence of organic matters such as serum, blood, pus, stool, or other organic substances can inactivate the action of some disinfectants and compromise their effectiveness.
Duration of exposure. Each disinfection method and agent is associated with a specific amount of time that is necessary for achieving the desired result.
Presence of extracellular material or biofilms. Many microorganisms produce thick masses of cells and extracellular material or biofilms, which generate a barrier against the disinfection process. For this reason, disinfectants should first saturate the biofilms, in order to eliminate the microorganisms they contain.
Saturday, Febuary 24, 2024
Refrences
Sterilization manual for health centers
Please Check out file at the following link
Factors affecting the efficacy of sterilization.
Basic guidelines for disinfection and sterilization
