The use of 2% glutaraldehyde as a disinfectant for arthroscopes used in septic joints.
The objective of this study was to determine the effectiveness of 2% glutaraldehyde as a sterilant for arthroscopes that had been used in septic joints. The first part of the experiment determined the minimum inhibitory concentration and the minimum lethal concentration of the disinfectant for five organisms frequently found in joint infections. The second phase of the study determined the ability of the 2% glutaraldehyde to sterilize grossly contaminated stainless-steel rods, used as substitutes for the arthroscope. The results showed the 2% glutaraldehyde to be an efficient disinfectant when used at full strength. Any dilution to one-quarter strength or greater proved to severely diminish the bacteriocidal capability of the solution. The results suggest that the solution is a viable alternative to ethylene oxide sterilization of arthroscopes after being used in septic joints, although further in vivo studies are necessary for definitive clinical use.
H
H
Shoji
M M
MM
Gutierrez
K E
KE
Aldridge