After an endoscopy a technician kept the instrument for sterilization. Which of the following agent is used for sterilization of fibre optic instruments?
Glutaraldehyde, which has two reactive aldehyde groups, is 10 times more effective than formaldehyde and is less toxic. It denatures proteins and nucleic acids. Both proteins and nucleic acids contain essential -NH2 and -OH groups, which are the main sites of alkylation. In hospitals, it is used to sterilize respiratory therapy equipment, endoscopes, and hemodialysis equipment. Ref: Levinson W. (2012). Chapter 13. Sterilization & Disinfection. In W. Levinson (Ed), Review of Medical Microbiology & Immunology, 12e.
Glutaraldehyde
Chlorine
Autoclave
Phenol