What is the purpose of testing disinfectants with a test strip?

The purpose of testing disinfectants with a test strip is to ensure that the disinfectant is at the correct concentration for efficacy. Disinfectants must be used at the manufacturer-recommended concentrations to effectively eliminate pathogens; otherwise, they may not provide the intended level of sanitization. Test strips help professionals quickly and accurately measure the concentration of the active ingredients in the disinfectant solution, ensuring that the product is potent enough to work as intended.

While checking odor strength can provide some initial information about a disinfectant, it does not relate to its microbicidal effectiveness. Verifying the product expiration date is important for safety but does not assess how well the disinfectant will perform at any given moment. Similarly, confirming that a disinfectant is non-toxic is essential for safety but does not guarantee its effectiveness as a disinfectant solution. The measure of concentration directly correlates to the disinfectant's ability to kill or deactivate harmful microorganisms, making it the most critical factor in evaluating its readiness for use.