Parker Protex® Disinfectant Spray | Ultrasound & Clinical Surface Disinfectant

Parker Laboratories Protex® Disinfectant Spray is an EPA-registered, ready-to-use low-level disinfectant for hard, non-porous, non-critical medical and institutional surfaces that are compatible with it.

Its alcohol-, bleach-, and solvent-free formulation makes Protex especially suitable for clinical environments where disinfectant compatibility with sensitive equipment is important. Parker specifically lists ultrasound transducers and probes, mammography compressor plates, vinyl exam tables, countertops, athletic mats, and exercise equipment among its applications.

Choose from a compact 12 oz pump spray, a 32 oz trigger-spray bottle, or a 1-gallon refill for higher-volume facilities.

Protex sizes

The gallon does not include a dispenser pump.

Why Choose Protex?

• EPA Registration 6836-152-82613
• One-step cleaner/disinfectant when used according to label directions
• Alcohol-free
• Bleach-free
• Solvent-free
• Suitable for compatible, hard, non-porous medical surfaces
• Specifically labeled for ultrasound transducers and probes
• Suitable for vinyl exam tables and treatment surfaces
• Available in spray and bulk-refill sizes
• Effective in the presence of 5% serum contamination
• Manufactured in the United States

Current EPA/state registration records identify Protex as EPA-registered under 6836-152-82613.

How Long Does Protex Need to Stay Wet?

This is one of the most important details to explain correctly.

The U.S. label directs users to spray from approximately 6–8 inches away and keep the surface visibly wet for 10 minutes for the full disinfection claim. Influenza A, human coronavirus, and SARS-CoV-2 have a one-minute labeled contact time.

Can Protex Be Used on Ultrasound Probes?

Yes—when the ultrasound transducer or probe manufacturer's cleaning instructions permit the product and low-level disinfection to be appropriate.

Parker explicitly identifies ultrasound transducers and probes among the intended hard, non-porous surfaces for Protex.

However, Protex is not a high-level disinfectant. A probe that contacts mucous membranes, normally sterile tissue, or otherwise requires high-level disinfection must be processed according to the probe manufacturer's instructions and applicable facility protocol. The Protex label specifically says it is not intended as a terminal sterilant/high-level disinfectant for those applications.

Protex Is a Low-Level Disinfectant

This distinction is especially important for ultrasound facilities because probe-reprocessing requirements depend on how the transducer is used.

Protex vs. Protex Ultra Wipes

Protex Ultra Wipes disinfect in four minutes, while the spray's current U.S. label contains organism-specific wet-contact times.

Can Protex Be Used on Treatment Tables and Rehab Equipment?

Yes, on compatible hard, non-porous surfaces.

Parker specifically lists vinyl exam tables, athletic mats, wrestling and gymnastic mats, exercise equipment, and training tables.

Always follow the equipment manufacturer's material-compatibility instructions before adopting any disinfectant as a facility-wide standard.

Does Protex Contain Alcohol or Bleach?

No. Parker describes Protex as

alcohol-free, bleach-free, and solvent-free.

That formulation is one reason it is marketed for sensitive clinical surfaces and ultrasound equipment.

Can Protex Be Used in an Ultrasonic Cleaning Bath?

The EPA label includes a specific procedure for hard, non-porous, non-critical objects that are compatible with ultrasonic cleaning equipment.

The label calls for visible soil to be removed first, fresh Protex to be placed directly in the bath, and the ultrasonic unit to operate for at least 10 minutes, following the equipment manufacturer's instructions. Fresh product is required for each use.

That use should not be confused with high-level disinfection or sterilization.

What Should Be Pre-Cleaned?

For visibly soiled areas, Parker's label requires pre-cleaning before disinfectant application. Blood and other body fluids also have specific cleaning and personal-protection instructions on the EPA label.

Protex and Therapeutic Ultrasound Equipment

After ultrasound procedures, remove coupling gel according to the device instructions before applying an approved cleaning or disinfecting product.

The applicator should be cleaned after treatment, and that liquid cleaner should not be poured or sprayed directly into the electrical device.

For replacement coupling media, compare our Conductive Gels, Lotions & Contact Media for Electrotherapy and Ultrasound

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Protex hospital grade?

Parker markets Protex as a hospital-use disinfectant, and it is EPA registered under 6836-152-82613.

Is Protex a high-level disinfectant?

No. It is a low-level surface disinfectant and should not replace high-level disinfection or sterilization when those processes are required.

Does Protex kill SARS-CoV-2?

Yes. The current U.S. label specifies a one-minute visibly wet contact time for SARS-CoV-2.

Is the contact time always one minute?

No. One minute applies to specific organisms, including SARS-CoV-2, human coronavirus, and influenza A. The current label specifies 10 minutes for the broader disinfection claim.

Does Protex kill C. difficile spores?

C. difficile is not listed among the claims on the current Parker label reviewed for this audit. Do not market Protex as a C. difficile sporicide unless Parker/EPA labeling specifically supports that claim.

Can Protex be used on ultrasound probes?

Yes, for compatible hard, non-porous probe surfaces when low-level disinfection is appropriate and the probe manufacturer permits its use.

Can it be used on endocavity probes?

Do not assume that Protex alone provides sufficient reprocessing. Endocavity and other semi-critical probes may require high-level disinfection according to the probe manufacturer and applicable clinical protocol.

Is Protex alcohol-free?

Yes. It is alcohol-, bleach-, and solvent-free.

What does the gallon include?

REF 42-28 contains one gallon / 3.8 liters of Protex. The dispenser pump is not included.

Is Protex ready to use?

Yes. The product is supplied as a ready-to-use disinfectant rather than a concentrate requiring routine dilution.

Can I spray Protex directly onto electronic equipment?

Follow the equipment manufacturer's cleaning instructions. Some devices require disinfectant to be applied to a cloth rather than sprayed directly onto the housing.

Use notice: Use Protex only according to its current EPA-approved labeling. It is intended for compatible hard, non-porous surfaces and is not a substitute for high-level disinfection or sterilization when either process is required.