What determines the contact time required to disinfect an implement?

The contact time required to disinfect an implement is primarily determined by the laws and rules established by state regulations or governing bodies within the profession. These regulations ensure that the disinfection process meets minimum safety standards to prevent the transmission of infections.

While manufacturer instructions can provide specific details about the products used and their efficacy, they do so within the framework set by laws and regulations. The type of implement can influence the selection of disinfectants but does not solely dictate the required contact time. Training of the licensee is critical for understanding how to apply these laws effectively, but it is ultimately the established legal standards that define the specific contact times necessary for proper disinfection. Therefore, it is the laws and rules that serve as the definitive guideline for practitioners to follow in maintaining sanitation standards.