Study GuideMicrobiology–Control of Microbial Growth1. Chemical Methods of ControlChemical methods are widely used tocontrol microorganisms, especially on living tissues and ineveryday environments. Most chemical agents donot achieve complete sterilization. Instead, theyreduce microbial populations to safe levels or remove disease-causing organisms from surfaces.Anideal disinfectant or antisepticshould:•Kill microorganisms quickly•Be safe for the material or tissue being treated•Be effective under normal conditions1.1Factors Affecting the Choice of a Chemical AgentWhen selecting an antiseptic or disinfectant, several factors must be considered:•Concentrationof the chemical used•Whether the agent isbactericidal(kills bacteria) orbacteriostatic(inhibits growth)•Type of materialbeing treated•Presence oforganic matter(blood, pus, dirt)•Temperature and pHof the environment•Contact timebetween the agent and the surfaceNo single disinfectant works best in all situations.1.2Evaluation of Chemical AgentsPhenol Coefficient TestThephenol coefficient (PC) testcompares a chemical disinfectant with phenol.Preview Mode
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