What do hospital-grade disinfectants generally NOT kill?

Hospital-grade disinfectants are designed to eliminate a wide range of pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi. However, they are typically not formulated to effectively kill spores. Spores are a dormant and highly resistant form of certain bacteria and fungi that can survive extreme conditions, including high temperatures and desiccation. Because of their resilience, spores often require more specialized sterilization techniques, such as steam sterilization or the use of specific sporicidal agents, to ensure complete destruction.

This distinction is crucial in settings such as hospitals, where preventing infection is paramount. While hospital-grade disinfectants play a vital role in maintaining hygiene and reducing the burden of infectious diseases, they may not be sufficient for environments where spore-forming organisms are a concern. This understanding helps estheticians and other practitioners to choose the appropriate cleaning and sterilization methods for their specific needs.