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Glutaraldehyde
Also called: glut, cold sterile, high-level disinfectant
A strong liquid sterilant and high-level disinfectant for heat-sensitive items.
Glutaraldehyde (2% or stronger) can sterilize with very long soaks, or high-level disinfect (kill everything except large numbers of spores) in a shorter time. CDC lists 20 minutes at room temperature as the minimum for high-level disinfection; your product label may require longer. Because it is toxic and slow, CDC discourages using heat-sensitive items that need it, since heat-tolerant or disposable versions exist for most dental items.
How to spot it
- A jug of solution with an activator, and a covered soaking tray with a date label.
What it is used for
- Only for heat-sensitive semicritical items (they touch mucous membranes) that cannot be heat-sterilized, exactly as the label directs.
- Rinse items well afterward; items soaked this way are not sterile once stored.
Safety and care
- Irritates skin, eyes and lungs and can cause allergies; use closed containers and good ventilation.
- Regular exam gloves are not a good barrier; wear chemical-resistant gloves and an apron, goggles and a face shield.
- Never use it as a surface disinfectant or holding solution.
Related
Sources: CDC. Guidelines for Infection Control in Dental Health-Care Settings, 2003. MMWR 2003;52(RR-17), CDC. Guideline for Disinfection and Sterilization in Healthcare Facilities (2008): Chemical Disinfectants, CDC. Guideline for Disinfection and Sterilization in Healthcare Facilities (2008): Sterilizing Practices