title: Glutaraldehyde concentration in the sterilization of endoscopes.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Infectious Diseases and Infection Control, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane.
authors.forename: H M
authors.initials: HM
authors.lastname: Cox
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Cheung
authors.forename: A J
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Fletcher
authors.forename: R M
authors.initials: RM
authors.lastname: Whitby
authors.forename: P E
authors.initials: PE
authors.lastname: Hickman
mesh_terms: D004202:Disinfectants; D019723:Endoscopes; D005976:Glutaral
chemical_list: D004202:Disinfectants; D005976:Glutaral