Final answer:
High level disinfection with bleach requires following the manufacturer's instructions or health organization guidelines for contact time, which can range from minutes to hours. SAFETY measures and use-dilution tests ensure the efficacy of the disinfection process. Correct concentration and application are crucial for the effectiveness of bleach as a disinfectant.
Step-by-step explanation:
The duration for which instruments must be soaked in bleach for high level disinfection depends upon various factors including the concentration of bleach used and the particular protocol established by healthcare institutions or the guidelines set forth by manufacturers and regulating authorities.
However, it is generally recommended to follow the manufacturer's instructions or the guidelines of health organizations for the specific contact time. For example, a 1:10 dilution of bleach may be used for disinfection purposes and the contact time may vary; however, it's important to know that effective disinfection requires adherence to the specified duration which can range from minutes to hours.
Personnel handling contaminated instruments must also take appropriate safety measures, such as wearing protective clothing and immediately washing any skin contact with diluted bleach solution or sodium hydroxide (NaOH) to mitigate risks.
To ensure efficacy of the disinfection process, the Association of Official Agricultural Chemists International (AOAC) states that disinfectants must pass stringent use-dilution tests showing no growth in a significant number of replicates to be deemed effective.
Despite the use of disinfectants at standard concentrations, the risk of transmission can remain high, hence the importance of correct disinfectant use and procedures. Liquid bleach, which is an aqueous solution of sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl), must be used in the correct concentration, as over-dilution or under-dilution may affect its disinfection capabilities.