Virkon

Virkon is a brand name of a powerful disinfectant, often used in laboratories for cleaning up spills, soaking equipment or wiping benches.

Virkon is most often sold as a pink-coloured powder, that is mixed with water to form a solution. The pink colour is useful in that in helps gauge the concentration when preparing the Virkon, and importantly, as the Virkon ages it discolours, making it obvious when it needs to be replaced.

Although stated to have a lemon scent, the smell of Virkon is very faint but still considered unpleasant to many. It is relatively safe in terms of skin contact, but should not be used as a hand-washing liquid.

When used correctly Virkon is effective against many pathogenic organisms, including bacteria, fungi, viruses, and bacterial spores. It is also effective against mycobacteria (such as tuberculosis), organisms that can be resistant to other disinfectants.

Virkon is a solution of many oxidative compounds, that destroy pathogens.

A major disadvantage to using Virkon is the price. As a cost saving measure, many laboratories make their own disinfectants with relatively low cost solvents that can be purchased in bulk.