GLUTERALDEHYDE

Gluteraldehyde is a colorless oily chemical sterilant.

Gluteraldehyde is sporicidal only in alkaline condition with shelf life of 14

days.
Mode of Action:
Inactivation of DNA,RNA,and Protein synthesis through alkylation of sulfhydryl,
hydroxyl, carboxyl and amino groups of microorganisms.
Microbial Activity:
A standard 2% aqueous solution of Gluteraldehyde buffered to pH 7.5 to 8.5 is
Bactericidal, Tuberculocidal, Sporicidal, Fungicidal, and Virucidal.
Spores of Bacillus and Clostridium spp are destroyed by 2% Gluteraldehyde in 3
hours.
Variables:
pH and temperature
Gluteraldehyde concentration at the time of use
Presence of organic ions
Age of the solution
Uses:
Sterilization of
o Bronchoscopes, cystoscopes, Transducers,

o Plastic endotrachial tubes, facemasks.

o Metal instruments and polythene tubing.

o Lensed, Rubber Plastic and sharp instruments.

Advantages:
Excellent biocidal property even in presence of organic matter.

Non corrosive.

It does not harm the lens.

Disadvantages:
Extremely susceptible to pH changes because its active only in alkaline
environment.
Expensive.
HYDROGEN PEROXIDE GAS PLASMA
Principle:
Gas plasmas are generated in an enclosed chamber under deep vacuum.
Radio frequency is used to excite the gas molecules and produce charged
particles in the form of free radicals that are capable of interacting with
essential cell components and thereby disrupt the metabolism of
microorganisms.
Mode of action
Inactivates microorganisms by combined use of hydrogen peroxide gas and
generation of free radicals during plasma phase of the cycle.
Operating temperature : 37-44C

Cycle time : 28-38 minutes

Uses:
Sterilization of materials and devices that cannot tolerate high temperatures
and humidity such as plastics, electrical devices and corrosion susceptible
metal alloys.
TESTS FOR EFFICACY
Biological indicator: Bacillus subtilis

PERACETIC ACID
Working:
Supply the 35% peracetic acid and an anticorrosive agent in a single-dose
container.
Puncture the container immediately prior to closing the lid and initiating the
cycle.
Dilute the peracetic acid to 0.2% with filtered water at 50C and circulate
within the chamber of the machine and pump through the channels of
endoscope for 12minutes.
Mode of Action:
It denaturates proteins
Disrupts cell wall permeability
Oxidizes sulfhydryl and sulfur bonds in proteins, enzymes and other
metabolites.
Microbial Activity of peracetic acid(Table)
Uses:
Sterilization of Gastrointestinal endoscopes and surgical instruments.
TESTS FOR EFFICACY
Biological Control: Bacillus stearothermophillus