NBCSN Nationally Certified School Nurse Practice Exam 2026 – Comprehensive All-In-One Study Guide for Success!

The effectiveness of a cleaning product against Norovirus and Clostridium difficile (C. Diff) is crucial in settings like schools and healthcare facilities where these pathogens may be present. A 5-6% hypochlorite solution, commonly known as bleach, is recognized for its strong disinfecting properties. It can effectively eradicate both Norovirus and C. Diff spores, which are resistant to many other cleaning agents.

Norovirus is highly contagious and can survive on surfaces for extended periods, making it necessary to use a powerful disinfectant like bleach, which can inactivate the virus. Similarly, C. Diff produces spores that require a robust cleaning agent to ensure complete elimination from surfaces to prevent transmission and outbreaks.

In contrast, while hydrogen peroxide is also a disinfectant, its efficacy against Norovirus and C. Diff is not as reliable as that of hypochlorite solutions. Alcohol-based sanitizers are generally not effective against these two pathogens, particularly due to the resistant nature of C. Diff spores. Ammonia solutions do not provide the same level of efficacy against these organisms either. Therefore, the 5-6% hypochlorite solution stands out as the most effective choice for combatting these harmful pathogens in various environments.