Glutaraldehyde concentration in the sterilization of endoscopes.
Controversy over appropriate disinfection of endoscopes continues with the most commonly utilized solution in Australian hospitals, despite concern over its efficacy, being 1% glutaraldehyde (AIDAL). Review of the in-use concentrations of glutaraldehyde at Princess Alexandra Hospital has documented a significant dilutional effect in 1% glutaraldehyde by gastrointestinal endoscopes. Each hospital should determine the minimum in-use concentration acceptable for any given disinfecting solution and any given range of endoscopes. Once this level is reached, a solution change should routinely occur. Such decisions can only be made by regularly monitoring in-use concentrations of disinfectants.
Cox
H M
HM
Department of Infectious Diseases and Infection Control, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane.
Cheung
K
K
Fletcher
A J
AJ
Whitby
R M
RM
Hickman
P E
PE
D004202:Disinfectants; D019723:Endoscopes; D005976:Glutaral
D004202:Disinfectants; D005976:Glutaral