Levels of Disinfection in Personal Services Settings

Low-Level Disinfection

• What it is: Removes most bacteria, some viruses, and some fungi, but not bacterial spores or more resistant pathogens.

• Products: Quaternary ammonium compounds (“quats”), some household disinfectants.

• Use in PSS: General cleaning of surfaces like chairs, counters, and work stations that are not contaminated with blood or body fluids.

Intermediate-Level Disinfection

• What it is: Inactivates bacteria, most viruses (including HBV and HIV), and fungi — still not effective against bacterial spores.

• Products: 70–90% alcohol, chlorine bleach (at 1:100 dilution), some iodophors.

• Use in PSS: Non-critical equipment, instruments, and items that may accidentally penetrate the skin or come into contact with non-intact skin or mucous membranes.

High-Level Disinfection

• What it is: Kills all microorganisms except large numbers of bacterial spores.

• Products: 2% glutaraldehyde, 6% hydrogen peroxide, 0.2% peracetic acid.

• Use in PSS: Semi-critical items that contact mucous membranes or non-intact skin but do not ordinarily penetrate the skin or enter normally sterile areas.

Sterilization (not just disinfection)

• What it is: Destroys all microorganisms, including spores.

• Methods: Autoclaving (steam under pressure), dry heat, chemical sterilizers.

• Use in PSS: Critical instruments that penetrate the skin (needles, surgical instruments).