Which of the following statements about the use of disinfectants in endoscopy is true?

The statement regarding disinfectants is accurate because it highlights the fact that the effectiveness of different disinfectants can vary significantly depending on the specific pathogens they are intended to target. Certain disinfectants may have broad-spectrum activities, making them effective against a wide range of organisms, while others may be tailored to effectively combat specific pathogens only. This variation necessitates careful selection of the disinfectant based on the anticipated contaminants involved in the endoscopic process, ensuring that the chosen product has been proven effective against the relevant microorganisms, such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi that may be present on endoscopic instruments.

This distinction is crucial in clinical practice, as using a disinfectant that does not effectively kill a specific pathogen could lead to potential infection risks during endoscopic procedures. The other statements do not hold true because the effectiveness of a disinfectant is not solely based on concentration, not all disinfectants must be diluted in water—some are concentrated solutions—and none can be reused indefinitely due to declining effectiveness and increased risk of contamination.