Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution (CBSPD) Sterile Processing Technician Practice Exam

Sodium hypochlorite falls under the classification of halogens, which is a group of elements that includes chlorine, fluorine, bromine, iodine, and astatine. Sodium hypochlorite is a chlorine-based compound and is widely recognized for its disinfectant properties, primarily due to its efficacy in killing bacteria, viruses, and fungi. It acts as a strong oxidizing agent, making it effective in the disinfection of surfaces and in various healthcare settings.

Halogens like sodium hypochlorite are particularly valuable in sterile processing because they can penetrate microbial cell walls and disrupt cellular functions, thereby ensuring thorough decontamination. This makes them a crucial resource in controlling infections and maintaining sanitation in environments like hospitals and surgical areas.

The other classifications of disinfectants, such as alcohols, phenolics, and quaternary ammonium compounds, serve different purposes and have different chemical compositions and modes of action, but they do not include sodium hypochlorite, which is specifically identified as a halogen-based disinfectant.