Do positive cultures indicate the disinfectant is ineffective?
Not necessarily. Why? The efficacy of a disinfectant cleaner is best determined by controlled laboratory test methods as defined by the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency). Environmental culturing is most applicable for determining the effectiveness of cleaning procedures and methods. The effectiveness of disinfectants is dependent upon the product making contact with the microorganisms and then absorption onto the microbes surface or getting penetration into the cell for the kill. The concentration of the disinfectant, the type of disinfectant, the exposure time, the type of microorganism, temperature, water hardness, and the presence of organic material all have a significant role in the effectiveness.
