Which disinfection category is effective against most bacteria and some viruses?

Low Level Disinfection is effective against most bacteria and some viruses because it involves the use of chemical agents that kill or deactivate these microorganisms but do not eliminate all forms of microbial life, including bacterial spores. This level of disinfection is adequate for non-critical items that come into contact with intact skin or only superficial mucous membranes.

Intermediate Level Disinfection, by contrast, is able to kill a broader range of pathogens, including more resistant bacteria and viruses, making it suitable for semi-critical items that may come into contact with mucous membranes. High Level Disinfection goes even further and can kill all microorganisms except large numbers of bacterial spores, useful for critical items that enter sterile body areas. Sterilization represents the highest level of microbial death by eliminating all forms of microbial life, including spores, thus being necessary for instruments that are used in invasive procedures.

The choice of low-level disinfection ensures that while most harmful organisms are targeted, it operates under the understanding that not all pathogens need to be eliminated for certain surfaces or items, providing a practical and effective approach in appropriate contexts.