Tonometer disinfection and viruses.

Tonometer disinfectants in current use are frequently inactive against viruses and enable transfer of infection between patients. We selected sodium hypochlorite as a readily available alternative which is active against viruses and bacteria. At 500 p.p.m. it destroys herpes simplex, adenovirus 8, and enterovirus 70 within 10 minutes. A simple technique is described which is clinically acceptable and has been in daily use for one year.