Certified Instrument Specialist (CIS) Practice Exam 2025 – The All-in-One Guide to Achieving Certification Success!

Iodophors belong to the halogens family of disinfectants. This group is characterized by the presence of halogens, which include elements such as iodine, chlorine, bromine, and fluorine. Iodophors are essentially iodine-based compounds that are often used as skin disinfectants, especially in surgical settings and for antiseptic purposes. They release iodine when diluted, allowing for effective microbial activity.

The unique aspect of iodophors is that they provide a sustained release of iodine over time, enhancing their disinfectant properties while reducing the potential for skin irritation compared to elemental iodine. This makes them particularly useful in medical and food handling environments.

Regarding the other choices, phenolics are a different class of disinfectants that are derived from coal tar and are known for their effectiveness against a wide range of microbes. Alcohols are organic compounds used as antiseptics and disinfectants, effective against bacteria and viruses but not classified under halogens. Aldehydes are another distinct group used mainly for their preservative and disinfecting properties, albeit with different mechanisms of action. Therefore, iodophors' classification as halogens emphasizes their iodine content and efficacy as antiseptic agents.