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Summary: OxiTab kills Candida auris on hard, non-porous surfaces when used as directed.
- EPA List P pathogen with proven environmental persistence (healthcare outbreaks)
- Label-specific concentration and contact time for C. auris disinfection
- How C. auris spreads, where it survives, and how long it lasts on surfaces
- Step-by-step instructions to disinfect with OxiTab
- Prevention strategies, industry routines, and FAQs
What is Candida auris?
Candida auris (C. auris) is an emerging, multidrug-resistant yeast that spreads easily in healthcare settings and can cause invasive infections. It can colonize patients for months, persist on surfaces, and is not reliably killed by some common disinfectants—especially quaternary ammonium compound (Quat/QAC)–only products. Vigilant cleaning and the use of an EPA-registered product effective against C. auris are essential to prevent outbreaks.
Authoritative source: CDC – Infection Control Guidance for C. auris
Can OxiTab Disinfectant Tablets Kill Candida auris?
Yes. OxiTab is EPA-registered for use against Candida auris on hard, non-porous surfaces. Follow the product label for the specific concentration (ppm) and contact time required for C. auris. EPA recognizes products with C. auris claims on List P.
EPA-Registered Kill Claims for Candida auris
- Concentration: [XXXX ppm]
- Minimum Contact Time: [X minutes]
- EPA List: List P (C. auris)
- Does OxiTab kill C. auris? Yes — when used exactly as directed on the label for C. auris.
Note: C. auris directions can differ from general bactericidal or virucidal use directions. Always use the label’s C. auris parameters.
How to Sanitize Against Candida auris Using OxiTab
- Pre-clean visible soil: Remove organic material and body fluids before disinfecting. Use friction on high-touch points.
- Prepare the solution: Dissolve OxiTab tablets in water to reach the label-specified concentration for C. auris: [XXXX ppm].
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Apply completely:
- Spray bottle: bed rails, door handles, call buttons, monitors, touch screens
- Mop bucket: patient room floors, corridors, bathrooms
- Wipes/cloths: small fixtures, keyboards/mice exteriors, shared devices
- Electrostatic sprayer: broad coverage for larger rooms and common areas
- Maintain wet contact time: Keep surfaces visibly wet for at least [X minutes] per the C. auris directions.
- Drying: Allow to air dry after the full contact time. Wipe only if needed for appearance.
- Solution management: Prepared solution remains effective up to 24 hours. Store sealed and prepare fresh daily.
- PPE and waste: Wear appropriate PPE. Dispose of contaminated materials per facility policy and local regulations.
References: CDC – Infection Control | EPA – Efficacy Guidance for C. auris
How Candida auris Spreads and How Long It Survives
C. auris spreads via direct contact and via contaminated surfaces and shared equipment. It has been cultured from numerous locations within patient rooms and care areas. Persistent environmental reservoirs can drive prolonged outbreaks without rigorous disinfection.
Candida auris Survival Times by Surface
1) Hard, non-porous surfaces
- Stainless steel & plastic: Days to weeks without proper disinfection; frequent source of transmission in healthcare environments.
- Glass & laminate: Multi-day persistence; counters, bedside tables, and carts can harbor yeast.
- Ceramic & sealed stone: Days; bathrooms and sink areas require scheduled disinfection.
2) Porous & softer surfaces
- Wood (finished): Days; porosity and micro-crevices can shield organisms from removal.
- Fabric/upholstery: Hours to days; moisture and soil can extend survival.
- Paper products: Hours to a day; manage waste streams carefully.
3) Extended persistence
- General care areas: Environmental colonization may persist for weeks without C. auris–effective disinfection.
- Mobile/reusable equipment: Glucometers, thermometers, cuffs, ultrasound probes, and carts must be disinfected after each use.
Surface Survival Times Chart
| Surface Type | C. auris Survival Time |
|---|---|
| Stainless steel & Plastic | Days to weeks |
| Glass & Laminate | Several days |
| Ceramic & Sealed Stone | Several days |
| Wood (finished) | Days |
| Fabric & Upholstery | Hours to days |
| Paper Products | Hours to ~1 day |
References: CDC – C. auris Environmental Disinfection
Why Does Candida auris Live So Long?
Unlike many routine yeasts, C. auris tolerates environmental stress and some commonly used disinfectants. Its ability to persist on dry and moist surfaces, colonize skin, and contaminate equipment underscores the need for EPA-registered hospital disinfectants with explicit C. auris claims (List P) and strict adherence to the label’s contact time.
References: EPA – List P | CDC – Infection Control
Preventing Surface Transmission
- Define a daily disinfection schedule for high-touch areas using OxiTab at the C. auris label directions.
- Clean first, then disinfect; ensure the full contact time is met on all treated surfaces.
- Disinfect mobile equipment after every use; label clean vs. dirty equipment storage.
- Practice hand hygiene consistently; alcohol-based sanitizer is preferred unless hands are visibly soiled, then wash with soap and water.
- Use Contact Precautions or Enhanced Barrier Precautions as directed for your setting.
References: CDC – Recommendations
Symptoms of Candida auris Infections
- Common presentations: bloodstream infection, wound infection, ear infection
- Serious complications: sepsis, multi-organ involvement in high-risk patients
Diagnosis and treatment are clinical decisions; this page addresses environmental disinfection needs.
Who Is Most at Risk?
- Patients in healthcare settings: especially those with lines, tubes, or recent procedures
- Long-term & post-acute care residents: prolonged stays increase exposure
- Immunocompromised individuals: higher risk of invasive infection
Prevention Best Practices (By Environment)
- Healthcare: daily and terminal cleaning with a List P disinfectant; isolate/cohort as needed; dedicate equipment when possible
- Long-term care: schedule bathroom and shared-space disinfection; educate staff on equipment cleaning
- Dialysis & outpatient clinics: disinfect chairs, armrests, BP cuffs, and machines between every patient
- Transportation & transfer: clean and disinfect high-touch points after each transport; communicate patient status between facilities
Why OxiTab is the Safer Choice
- Non-Hazardous: safer to handle than bleach or Quats (QACs)
- No residue: clean finish without sticky films or harsh odors
- Simple and affordable: tablet dosing for easy, consistent mixing
FAQs About Candida auris
Q: What disinfectant kills Candida auris?
A: OxiTab kills Candida auris with EPA-registered efficacy at [XXXX ppm] and [X minutes] contact time (follow the C. auris directions on the label).
Q: Can C. auris live on clothing or linens?
A: Yes. It can persist for hours to days. Handle soiled laundry carefully; wash hot and dry completely.
Q: Are Quats effective against C. auris?
A: CDC notes QAC-only products may be ineffective against C. auris. Use an EPA List P product and follow the label contact time.
Q: How long does C. auris survive on surfaces?
A: From days to weeks depending on conditions and materials. Routine disinfection with a List P product is critical.
Related Pathogen Guides
References
- CDC – Infection Control Guidance for C. auris
- EPA – Registered Products Effective Against C. auris (List P)
- EPA – Efficacy Guidance for C. auris Claims
Call to Action
Protect your facility against C. auris using OxiTab, an EPA-registered disinfectant that’s safer, simpler, and more effective than bleach or Quats.
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