How effective is alcohol as a disinfectant for inactivating viruses?

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SUMMARY

Alcohol is effective as a disinfectant for inactivating certain viruses, such as SARS, due to its ability to denature proteins and dissolve membrane lipids. However, it is not effective against all viruses, particularly some strains of Hepatitis, which may have protective envelopes. The CDC recommends alcohol-based hand rubs for general hand hygiene, likely based on extensive testing and research. It is crucial to understand the specific virus being targeted when selecting a disinfectant.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of virus structure, including lipid envelopes
  • Knowledge of disinfectant mechanisms, specifically protein denaturation
  • Familiarity with CDC guidelines for infection control
  • Basic laboratory safety and hygiene practices
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the effectiveness of alcohol-based disinfectants against various viruses
  • Study the structure and classification of Hepatitis viruses
  • Learn about alternative disinfectants, such as bleach solutions, and their applications
  • Explore CDC recommendations for hand hygiene and surface disinfection
USEFUL FOR

Healthcare professionals, laboratory technicians, and anyone involved in infection control and hygiene practices will benefit from this discussion.

Monique
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From the CDC website: During this 10-day period, all members of the household with a SARS patient should carefully follow recommendations for hand hygiene, such as frequent hand washing or the use of alcohol-based hand rubs.

In the lab we always have to clean the surfaces to inactivate any Hepatitis viruses with a 10% bleach solution. Alcohol doesn't work, so why does the CDC recommend it?
 
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because most people don't want to look like michael jackson and I'm pretty sure alcohol kills SARS.
 
Which hepatitis are you working with?

Alcohol acts on the protein by denaturing them and probably dissolve membrane lipids. Therefore the envelop and structure of the of the virus migth explain with some Hepatitis virus are not destroy by alchol whereas SRAS is destroy.

I think if the CDC says that alcohol can be used its because they probably tested. At least I hope they did, they are the one responsible for disease control.
 
Originally posted by iansmith
Which hepatitis are you working with?

Alcohol acts on the protein by denaturing them and probably dissolve membrane lipids.

Viruses have lipids?
 
the envelope surrounding the virus is made from membrane lipids. some have envelopes, some don't. I am not sure about hepatitis.
 

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