Disinfectant

Spores

Mycobacteria

Other bacteria

Viruses

Enveloped

Non- enveloped

Glutaraldehyde 2%
(3h-10 min)

Good
3 h

Good*
20 min

Good
10 min

Good
10 min

Good
10 min

Peracetic acid 0.2-0.35%
(10 min)

Good

Good

Good

Good

Good

Alcohol 60-70% (ethanol or isopropanol)
(1-10 min)

None

Moderate

Good

Good

Moderate

Peroxygen compounds 3-6%
(20 min)

None

Poor

Good

Good

Moderate

Chlorine releasing agents >1000 ppm Cl2
(15-60 min)

Good

Good

Good

Good

Good

Clear soluble phenolics 1-2% **

None

Good

Good

Poor

None

Quaternary ammonia components 0.1-0.5%***

None

Variable

Moderate

Moderate

Poor

*Less active against M. avium intracellulare.

**Potentially toxic. Should not be used in neonatal wards.

***Dilute solutions may allow the growth of Gram-negative bacilli.