Disinfectants are available in many forms: one-step and two-step, ready-to-use, and mixing-required types. Disinfectants are also available in sprays, wipes and soaks. Disinfectants are formulated using one of seven active base ingredients. Which disinfectant will get the job done efficiently and effectively depends on the application. To best answer these questions, a review of the seven active ingredients categories follows.
Glutaraldehyde
A glutaraldehyde-based product is usually registered as both a disinfectant and a sterilant depending on the mode of application (spray, wipe, or soak). For sterilization, the instrument generally must be immersed for 10 or more hours. Contact times for disinfectants with Tuberculocidal claims usually start at 20 minutes. Glutaraldehyde may react strongly, irritating the nose, eyes, and skin, and may cause allergic contact dermatitis. Some formulas of glutaraldehyde can be corrosive to certain metals. Based on the permissible exposure limit (PEL), it is 0.2ppm. In accordance with OSHA’s PEL, glutaraldehyde products should not be sprayed.
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