How long should alcohol remain in contact with an item to effectively disinfect it?

To effectively disinfect an item using alcohol, it is essential to allow sufficient contact time for the alcohol to kill pathogens. The correct choice indicates that alcohol should remain in contact with the item for five to ten minutes. This duration is effective because it gives the alcohol adequate time to penetrate microbial cells and disrupt their cellular functions, thereby ensuring a higher level of disinfection.

While shorter contact times might seem convenient, they may not provide the necessary effectiveness to guarantee that all harmful microorganisms are neutralized. The five to ten minutes range strikes a balance, allowing for efficient disinfection without unnecessarily prolonging the process. This standard is consistent with guidelines from organizations such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO), which emphasize the importance of appropriate contact times in disinfection protocols.