What is a common chemical used for high-level disinfection of endoscopes?

What is a common chemical used for high-level disinfection of endoscopes?

• A. Chlorine bleach
• B. Hydrogen peroxide
• C. Glutaraldehyde
• D. Alcohol

Answer: (C)

Glutaraldehyde is a common chemical used for high-level disinfection of endoscopes due to its effectiveness as a potent germicide. It is classified as a chemical agent that can achieve high-level disinfection when used appropriately, which is vital for the safety and sanitation of medical instruments involved in invasive procedures. When endoscopes are reprocessed, they must undergo stringent disinfection protocols to eliminate all infectious organisms. Glutaraldehyde has a broad spectrum of antimicrobial activity and is particularly effective against bacteria, viruses, fungi, and spores, making it a preferred choice in many healthcare settings for the sterilization and disinfection of heat-sensitive medical devices like endoscopes. The solution is typically used at specific concentrations and immersion times to ensure efficacy. While chlorine bleach, hydrogen peroxide, and alcohol can also be used in various disinfection processes, they do not meet the strict criteria for high-level disinfection of endoscopes in the same way that glutaraldehyde does. Chlorine bleach is more commonly used as a surface disinfectant but can be corrosive to endoscopic equipment. Hydrogen peroxide, while effective, may not have the same level of penetration and sporicidal activity as glutaraldehyde. Alcohol is typically effective for surface dis

Glutaraldehyde is a common chemical used for high-level disinfection of endoscopes due to its effectiveness as a potent germicide. It is classified as a chemical agent that can achieve high-level disinfection when used appropriately, which is vital for the safety and sanitation of medical instruments involved in invasive procedures.

When endoscopes are reprocessed, they must undergo stringent disinfection protocols to eliminate all infectious organisms. Glutaraldehyde has a broad spectrum of antimicrobial activity and is particularly effective against bacteria, viruses, fungi, and spores, making it a preferred choice in many healthcare settings for the sterilization and disinfection of heat-sensitive medical devices like endoscopes. The solution is typically used at specific concentrations and immersion times to ensure efficacy.

While chlorine bleach, hydrogen peroxide, and alcohol can also be used in various disinfection processes, they do not meet the strict criteria for high-level disinfection of endoscopes in the same way that glutaraldehyde does. Chlorine bleach is more commonly used as a surface disinfectant but can be corrosive to endoscopic equipment. Hydrogen peroxide, while effective, may not have the same level of penetration and sporicidal activity as glutaraldehyde. Alcohol is typically effective for surface dis