Final answer:
The disinfectant should generally be left on a surface for at least 10 minutes to ensure proper disinfection, but guidelines can vary by product, so always check the manufacturer's instructions.
Step-by-step explanation:
The appropriate contact time for a disinfectant solution to be left on a surface to ensure disinfection can vary. Generally, it is recommended to follow the manufacturer's instructions, as different disinfectants have varying effective contact times due to their specific formulation. However, the provided information suggests a general protocol in the event of an accidental spill involving a bacterial culture, indicating to saturate the spill area with disinfectant and allow it to sit for 10 minutes. This is a common guidance for many commercial and hospital-grade disinfectants. Additionally, the effectiveness of a disinfectant can be affected by factors like the presence of organic matter, the microbial load, the concentration of the disinfectant, and the susceptibility of the microbes.