Examining the efficacy and shelf life of a peracetic acid-based cleaner disinfectant

Background:

Peridox RTU is an EPA-registered peracetic acid-based cleaner and disinfectant with a Clostridium difficile sporicidal claim. The active product is generated by mixing 2 chemical components prior to delivery to customers. Peracetic acid-based disinfectants have better materials compatibility than bleach, but one limitation of these disinfectants is that the shelf life may be relatively short after activation. Here, we evaluated the duration of sporicidal activity for Peridox RTU after activation.

Methods:

We tested the persistence of sporicidal activity by testing the ability of the product to reduce levels of toxigenic C. difficile spores using a standard disk carrier method at serial time points over a 60 day period. In conjunction with the assessment of sporicidal activity, we measured available peracetic acid in parts per million (PPM) using a peracetic acid titration kit.

Results:

Peridox RTU exhibited persistant sporicidal efficacy with ≥ 5.5 Log₁₀ CFU reduction in C. difficile spores over 60 days of testing after opening of the bottle. Peracetic acid levels remained greater than or equal to 3300 over 60 days.

Conclusion:

Peridox RTU maintained peracetic acid concentrations at or above the label claim over 60 days of testing and had sporicidal activity against C. difficile spores. Peridox RTU may provide an effective alternative to bleach-based disinfectants that is less damaging to surfaces.