Ideally, choice of disinfectant would be based on which is most effective against the pathogen in question, and most suitable for the area or environment it is being used on. However, not all disinfectants may be available to you, due to factors such as cost or availability. In these situations, it is important to make an informed choice and use the best option available to you at the time.
For routine situations, select a disinfectant that is suitable for the surfaces and common pathogens present. When a resistant pathogen is suspected, choose a product with demonstrated activity against that pathogen. Bacterial spores require a specifically sporicidal product or protocol.
Broad-spectrum options for general use (if available):
AHP and suitably formulated potassium peroxymonosulfate products are broad-spectrum options that are commonly recommended for both routine disinfection and many higher-risk situations (although their suitability depends on the individual formulation and target pathogen).
Routine option when broad-spectrum products are unavailable:
Quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs) may be used for low-risk, routine disinfection. Some QAC products also have cleaning properties and may combine cleaning and disinfection on lightly soiled surfaces. However, conventional QACs have a narrower spectrum of activity. They are generally unreliable against non-enveloped viruses and are not considered effective against bacterial spores, so they are usually best suited to everyday, maintenance disinfection between patients. They should not be relied upon during an outbreak unless the product has demonstrated activity against the pathogen concerned.
Resistant/high-risk pathogens:
For resistant non-enveloped viruses such as canine parvovirus, correctly diluted bleach is often a practical first choice because it is inexpensive, widely available and reliably effective when used correctly. If available, AHP products are another effective option against non-enveloped viruses. Some potassium peroxymonosulfate products also carry specific claims against pathogens such as canine parvovirus and can be used where the product label indicates it is appropriate.
Bacterial spores require a specifically validated sporicidal product or protocol. The bleach concentration needed for sporicidal activity is often substantially higher than that used for routine disinfection or parvovirus, and standard AHP or potassium peroxymonosulfate products should not be assumed to be sporicidal unless this is specifically stated on the label.
Important: Bleach is highly effective, but only when used correctly. Without proper contact time and thorough pre-cleaning, its effectiveness is significantly reduced. See the article ‘Guide to common disinfectants’ for more information on bleach, and the next article ‘How to use disinfectants’ for more practical advice.
Key points
- For non-enveloped viruses such as parvovirus: use correctly diluted bleach, an appropriate AHP product, or another disinfectant with demonstrated activity against the virus, including some potassium peroxymonosulfate products.
- For bacterial spores: use a specifically validated sporicidal product or bleach protocol. Do not assume that routine bleach dilutions or standard AHP or potassium peroxymonosulfate formulations are sporicidal.
- For routine, low-risk disinfection: conventional QACs may be suitable for clean surfaces, but they should not be used against resistant pathogens unless the specific product supports that use.