Which of the following Disinfectants is used to kill Corona Virus?

MP CHO-2020

Applied Microbiology & Infection control

Easy

Appeared in: MP CHO-2020

Explanation

Sodium hypochlorite is a halogen-based disinfectant that releases chlorine.
Chlorine is a potent oxidizing agent with broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity, including strong virucidal effects against enveloped viruses like Coronavirus.
It is widely recommended by health organizations (e.g., WHO, CDC) for surface disinfection to prevent the spread of SARS-CoV-2.
It is inexpensive, fast-acting, and readily available as household bleach.

Option A: Carbolic acid (phenol) has weaker and slower virucidal activity compared to chlorine compounds. It is more of a historical antiseptic and is not recommended for routine surface disinfection against Coronavirus.
Option B: Lyzol is a brand name for a product that typically contains cresol, a phenolic compound. While it is a disinfectant, it is generally used for household cleaning (like floors and toilets) and is not the first-line agent recommended for decontaminating surfaces from specific, highly infectious viruses like SARS-CoV-2 in a clinical context.
Option C: Phenyl is a broad term for disinfectants derived from coal tar (phenolics). These are typically used in low-level disinfectants and deodorizers. They do not possess the high-level virucidal activity required to reliably kill resilient viruses like Coronavirus on clinical surfaces.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Infection control and the use of chemical disinfectants against viral pathogens as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Choosing the correct disinfectant and concentration is critical for effective infection prevention and control in healthcare settings.
Nurses must educate staff and patients' families on proper disinfection procedures, including the importance of contact time (how long the surface must remain wet) for the disinfectant to be effective.
Always wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), such as gloves and eye protection, when handling and preparing disinfectant solutions like sodium hypochlorite.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key terms in the question: 'Disinfectant' and 'Corona Virus'. This is a factual recall question about infection control.
Recall the major classes of disinfectants: halogens (like chlorine), phenolics, alcohols, aldehydes, etc.
Consider the target pathogen: Coronavirus is an enveloped virus. Enveloped viruses are generally susceptible to a wide range of disinfectants.
Evaluate each option based on its known spectrum of activity. Phenolic compounds (Carbolic acid, Lyzol, Phenyl) have some effect but are not the primary recommendation.
Recognize that Sodium Hypochlorite (bleach) is a chlorine-releasing agent, which is well-known and widely recommended by health authorities for its potent virucidal action against pathogens like SARS-CoV-2.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Infection control and the use of chemical disinfectants against viral pathogens.
Stem keywords: Disinfectants, kill, Corona Virus
Lead-in keywords: Which

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