Which alcohol is commonly used in healthcare settings for disinfection?

Isopropyl alcohol is commonly used in healthcare settings for disinfection due to its effective antimicrobial properties. It is recognized for its ability to kill bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Isopropyl alcohol typically comes in concentrations of 70%, which is optimal for disinfection because this concentration allows for the denaturing of proteins, leading to cell death, while also effectively penetrating the cell walls of microorganisms.

This alcohol evaporates quickly and is relatively safe when used appropriately on skin and surfaces. It is frequently utilized for disinfecting skin prior to procedures, cleaning medical equipment, and sanitizing surfaces in clinical environments.

In contrast, other choices such as ethyl alcohol are also used for disinfection but may not be as widely preferred in certain healthcare settings. Methyl alcohol and butyl alcohol are generally avoided in healthcare due to increased toxicity and potential harmful effects upon skin contact or ingestion.