Disinfection can kill certain pathogens with the exception of spores on all of the following items, EXCEPT which one?

Disinfection can kill certain pathogens with the exception of spores on all of the following items, EXCEPT which one?

• A. Porous items
• B. Non-porous metal tools
• C. Glass
• D. Plastic containers

Answer: (A)

Spore-forming organisms are especially resistant to many disinfection methods, and porous materials can shield those spores. The irregularities and spaces in porous items make it hard for disinfectants to reach every hidden spore, so disinfection often fails to eliminate them on those surfaces. On smooth, non-porous surfaces like metal tools, glass, or plastic containers, the disinfectant can contact all areas more effectively, so spores are more likely to be killed when the right sporicidal agent and contact time are used. Therefore, porous items are the exception where disinfection does not reliably destroy spores.

Spore-forming organisms are especially resistant to many disinfection methods, and porous materials can shield those spores. The irregularities and spaces in porous items make it hard for disinfectants to reach every hidden spore, so disinfection often fails to eliminate them on those surfaces. On smooth, non-porous surfaces like metal tools, glass, or plastic containers, the disinfectant can contact all areas more effectively, so spores are more likely to be killed when the right sporicidal agent and contact time are used. Therefore, porous items are the exception where disinfection does not reliably destroy spores.