Glutaraldehyde (GLUT) or 1,5-pentanedial is one the most
commonly used disinfectant ingredients from the family of aldehydes.
Glutaraldehyde is a biocide with broad spectrum of activity including
sporicidal activity. However, it is also a protein fixative, therefore the surfaces
soiled with protein based soils like blood must be pre-cleaned with a detergent
solution prior to their exposure to glut; otherwise the blood soils will be
fixed on the instrument.
Upon introduction in the early 1960's, GLUT was thought
to be a safer and more effective replacement to be used in disinfectants
particularly due to its efficacy and use for high level disinfection and
chemical sterilization. More recently
resistance development has been seen in certain Mycobacteria stains, such as M.
chelonei , when used as a 2% solution for endoscope disinfection. The use of
glutaraldehyde in the medical sector has revealed serious and wide ranging
health risks to operators including dermatitis (allergic reactions to the
skin), rhinitis, conjunctivitis and asthma.
Long term exposure to GLUT at use dilutions (2 - 8%) is known to cause
irritation of skin and lungs of the end users. Due to such respiratory issues,
GLUT must be always used in closed chambers with ventilation. Mutagenicity has
been reported in certain strains of salmonella, when exposed to GLUT solutions.
Glutaraldehyde is considered to be readily biodegradable
and while its biodegradation products are known to be less toxic,
glutaraldehyde itself is highly toxic to algae and moderately toxic to aquatic
animals.
Here’s how we would score Glutaraldehyde on the key
decision making criteria:
• Speed of Disinfection – B to C
o High Level Disinfection within 10 - 60 minutes
o Sporicidal contact time required to achieve chemical
sterilization is 6 - 12 hrs
• Spectrum of Kill – A
o Achieves disinfection against all microorganisms;
bacteria, viruses, fungi, mycobacteria and spores
• Cleaning Effectiveness – N/A
o No detergent properties; in fact due to its fixative
nature it can stain proteins to the surface and act as a staining agent.
o High Level Disinfection and Chemical Sterilization
requires instruments to cleaned prior to moving to the disinfection or sterilization
process
• Safety Profile – D
o Use of glutaraldehyde has revealed serious and wide
ranging health risks including dermatitis (allergic reactions to the skin),
rhinitis, conjunctivitis and asthma
o Requires special ventilation requirements to ensure
exposure limits set by the Occupational Health & Safety Act are not
exceeded
• Environmental Profile – D
o Restrictions in disposal
o Concerns with Environmental Toxicity
• Cost Effectiveness – B to C
o Products are available from a number of suppliers
**For more in-depth scientific information about Alcohol
and other disinfectant chemistries, stay tuned to
www.infectionpreventionresource.com.
Bugging Off!
Nicole
