Glossary: T
The remanence effect of disinfectants
The remanence effect of disinfectants
The remanence effect describes the time period during which a disinfectant remains effective after application to the skin or surfaces and protects the application area against recolonization by germs.
Most modern disinfectants rely on a combination of fast-acting alcohols and slightly slower-acting but longer-lasting biocides as remanence effect. The alcoholic components provide an immediate disinfecting effect but disappear relatively quickly when exposed to air.
Remanence active ingredients do not evaporate or only very slowly and remain active in the application area for a long time. A long remanence effect is important, for example, for hand disinfectants used in the operating theatre, during surgical procedures or when peripheral venous catheters are inserted.
Common remanent active ingredients are, for example, antiseptics such as chlorhexidine (CHX), which is also frequently used in mouth rinsing solutions, or octenidine, which is also contained (usually together with phenoxyethanol) in preparations for wound disinfection.
