How do I decide what germicide to use?

Choose a germicide with the level of disinfection appropriate to the device being disinfected. See the labeling for the device or contact the manufacturer for instructions.

Sterilants kill all micro-organisms when used according to directions. High-level disinfectants are effective against viruses, vegetative bacteria (including tuberculosis) but not against large numbers of spore forming organisms. Low-level disinfectants are not effective against spore formers or tuberculosis. They may not be effective against all viruses.

Critical devices are those that present a high risk of infection such as items that routinely penetrate the skin, mucous membranes or other areas of the body that are normally sterile. Critical devices should always be sterilized before use. Steam, ethylene oxide or any other method that can be biologically monitored is the preferred methods for these devices. Because liquid chemical sterilants can not be monitored properly, they are not recommended for these items except in exceptional situations (e.g. items that are heat sensitive or otherwise not compatible with the other methods of sterilization).

Semi-critical devices contact with mucous membranes but do not contact normally sterile areas of the body. Sterilization of semi-critical devices is preferred but high level disinfection is acceptable.

A non-critical device contacts only intact skin. High level or low level disinfection is usually sufficient.