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Disinfectant and Sterilization Methods

Estimated Reading Time: 3 Minutes
July 23, 2025  Animal Subjects, Guidelines

ERIK, Office of the Attending Veterinarian Guideline 19-020, Revised 11/27/2019

Preparation

  • It is important to understand that for most of these methods to be effective, gross debris such as blood or other organic matter must be removed prior to use
  • This document is meant to be used as a guide only. Manufacture recommendations for specific products must be followed with regards to contact time, refreshing solutions, and personal protection.
  • An astrick indicates the veterinary preference*

Procedure

Table 1: Hard-Surface High-Level Disinfectants

Disinfectant Type Examples Safety Comments & Notes
Peracetic acid/hydrogen peroxide/acetic acid solutions Spor-Klenz®* Low toxicity. Effective. Should be used inside a hood or when wearing eye protection if sprayed/splash hazard.
Isopropyl alcohol and 2-Butoxyethanol Opti-cide 3* Low toxicity. Effective.
Chlorine (sodium hypochlorite, chlorine dioxide) Sodium hypochlorite: Clorox® 10%
Chlorine Dioxide: Clidox-S®, Alcide®		 ⚠️ Corrosive; organic material decreases the effectiveness
Quaternary Ammonium Roccal-D®, TBQ®, NPD® Detergent properties
Phenolics Lysol® ⚠️ Corrosive; less affected by gross organic material than other disinfectants
Chlorhexidine Nolvasan® Not affected by the presence of organic material
Aldehydes Cidex® ⚠️ Toxic, exposure limits are set by OSHA; very effective
Aldehyde/phenol solutions 2% gluteraldehyde plus 7.05% phenol: Sporcidin® ⚠️ Toxic, exposure limits are set by OSHA; very effective. Toxic to cats

Table 2: Sterilization Methods

Table 2: Sterilization Methods
Method Common Uses Required Time Comments
Steam Sterilization* Steam autoclave is the most common method. Used to sterilize surgical instruments and other equipment that is tolerant of moisture and heat. 30-40-minute cycle plus cooling time Specific time, temperature, and pressure are dependent on the system (standard 30 minutes at 121˚C and 15 psi) Contact of materials with the steam is essential
Gas Sterilization- Ethylene Oxide (EtO)* Used on medical and pharmaceutical products that cannot support conventional high temperature steam sterilization such as devices that incorporate electronic components, plastic packaging or plastic containers. Limitations apply. May need up to 15 hours to complete a preconditioning, sterilization, and aeration phase. ⚠️ Safety of personnel is an important issue due to the harmful effect of EtO on humans. Limited availability.
Liquid Chemical Sterilization- Peracetic acid Spor-Klenz® is an example. Useful for heat-sensitive, nonporous materials when access to sterilization equipment is limited. 5 1/2 hours of contact time (items must be submerged) ⚠️ Corrosive to metal instruments. Irritating to tissue. Rinse with sterile water/saline prior to use on animal tissues
Liquid Chemical Sterilization-Chlorine Clidox-S® and Alcide® are examples. Used on nonporous materials, heat-sensitive materials when access to sterilization equipment is limited. 6 hours of contact time (items must be submerged) ⚠️ Corrosive to metal instruments. Rinse with sterile water/saline prior to use on animal tissues.
Liquid Chemical Sterilization-Gluteraldehyde Cetylcide-G® is an example. Used on nonporous, heat-sensitive materials when access to sterilization equipment is limited. 10 hours contact time (items must be submerged) Rinse with sterile water/saline prior use on animal tissues.
Liquid Chemical Sterilization-Chlorhexidine Nolvasan® is an example. Used on nonporous, heat-sensitive materials when access to sterilization equipment is limited. 24 hours of contact time (items must be submerged) Rinse with sterile water/saline prior use on animal tissues.

Table 3: Skin Disinfectants

Table 3: Skin Disinfectants
Name Examples Comments
Chlorhexidine Nolvasan®, Hibiclens® Excellent for use on skin
Iodophors Betadine®, Prepodyne®, Wescodyne® Organic material reduces activity.
Alcohols 70% ethyl alcohol, 70-99% isopropyl alcohol ⚠️ NOT ACCEPTABLE AS A PRIMARY DISINFECTANT. Not a high-level disinfectant, alcohols must be used in conjunction with an iodophore or chlorhexidine.

Table 4: Batch Surgery (between animals) Requirements

Table 4: Batch Surgery (between animals) Requirements
Agent Examples Required Time Comments
Dry Heat Sterilization-Glass Bead — 10-20 seconds plus cooling time Requires beads to be heated to 240-270°C (usually 15-20 min). Should be used to re-sterilize tips of clean instruments between multiple surgeries
70% Isopropyl Alcohol — 2 minute immersion time required —

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Disinfectant and Sterilization Methods
Estimated Reading Time: 3 Minutes July 23, 2025