Final answer:
The length of time a bleach low-level disinfection has to soak depends on various factors, including the specific guidelines set by the AOAC and the manufacturer's instructions.
Step-by-step explanation:
The length of time a bleach low-level disinfection has to soak depends on several factors. According to the guidelines set by the Association of Official Agricultural Chemists International (AOAC), a minimum of 59 of 60 replicates must show no growth in a test to achieve a passing result.
Disinfectant manufacturers perform use-dilution tests to validate the efficacy claims for their products, as designated by the EPA. It is important to follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer of the specific bleach disinfectant being used, as they may have specific soaking times and dilution requirements.