Which type of disinfectants should not be used on items that come in contact with the patient?

Environmental disinfectants are specifically designed for use on surfaces and items that do not come into direct contact with patients or sterile environments. These products are effective in reducing the microbial load on surfaces in the healthcare setting, where high levels of cleanliness are necessary, but they should not be used on items that directly interact with patients due to their formulation and intended use.

Surface disinfectants generally refer to products used to disinfect inanimate surfaces, and while they can be thorough, their application scope is similar to environmental disinfectants. High-level disinfectants are intended for critical items and can kill most microorganisms, making them suitable for semi-critical instruments. Low-level disinfectants kill only bacteria and some viruses and are typically not effective against spores or tuberculosis, which makes them less appropriate for high-risk or semi-critical items.

In summary, environmental disinfectants are not formulated for use on patient-contact items, making this option the correct choice when considering safety and efficacy in infection prevention.