Which disinfectant is most commonly used in clinical laboratories?

The most commonly used disinfectant in clinical laboratories is bleach, primarily because it is effective against a wide range of pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Bleach, or sodium hypochlorite, is widely favored for its strong antimicrobial properties and its ability to disinfect surfaces quickly.

In addition to its effectiveness, bleach is relatively inexpensive and readily available, making it a practical choice for many laboratory settings. It is particularly important in environments where there is a high risk of contamination, as it can be used to clean spills and decontaminate equipment and surfaces efficiently.

Considering other disinfectants: formalin (a solution of formaldehyde) is typically used for tissue preservation rather than routine surface disinfection, while glutaraldehyde is often used for specific instruments that require high-level disinfection but can be more costly and less practical for general use. Alcohol, while effective for certain applications like skin antisepsis, does not provide the same broad-spectrum efficacy as bleach when it comes to disinfecting surfaces and materials in clinical laboratories.