Laboratory Disinfectants.
This post describes the use of disinfectants for routine laboratory decontamination of surfaces and equipment. Definitions: Disinfectants : Disinfectants are substances that are applied to non-living objects to destroy microorganisms that are living on the objects. Microorganisms : A microorganism or microbe is a microscopic organism that comprises either a single cell (unicellular), cell clusters, or multicellular relatively complex organisms. Antiseptic : Any substance that inhibits the growth and reproduction of microorganisms. Generally includes only those that are used on living objects (as opposed to disinfectants) and aren’t transported by the lymphatic system to destroy bacteria in the body (as opposed to antibiotics ). Decontamination – A process that removes the total burden of all classes of microorganisms, usually using chemicals, heat, and/or pressure. Disinfection – A process that reduces microbial burden on a surface or object. Inactivation – The pro...