Summary
Controversy over appropriate disinfection of endoscopes continues with the most commonly utilized solution in Australian hospitals, despite concern over its efficacy, being 1% glutaraldehyde (AIDAL). Review of in-use concentrations of glutaraldehyde at Princess Alexandra Hospital has documented a significant dilutional effect in 1% glutaraldehyde by gastrointestinal endoscopes. Each hospital should determine the minimum in-use concentration acceptable for any given disinfecting solution and any given range of endoscopes. Once this level is reached, a solution change should routinely occur. Such decisions can only be made by regularly monitoring in-use concentrations of disinfectants.
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