Introduction to glutaraldehyde:

Glutaraldehyde, also known as glual aldehyde with a molecular formula of C5H8O2, is a colorless and transparent oily liquid with a pungent odor. It is soluble in hot water and organic solvents such as ethanol, chloroform, glacial acetic acid, and ether. Has a strong irritant effect on the eyes, skin, and mucous membranes. It can be used as a processing aid in the food industry, a disinfectant for bacteria, a tanning agent, a wood preservative, a drug, and a raw material for polymer synthesis. Glutaraldehyde is an efficient disinfectant with broad-spectrum, high efficiency, low toxicity, low corrosiveness to metals, minimal influence by organic matter, and good stability. It is widely used in industries such as disinfection and sterilization, pharmaceuticals, and is suitable for the disinfection and sterilization of medical devices and precision instruments that are resistant to moisture and heat.

Principle of glutaraldehyde sterilization:

The killing effect of aldehyde disinfectants on microorganisms mainly relies on aldehyde groups. These drugs mainly act on the thiol, hydroxyl, carboxyl, and amino groups of bacterial proteins, which can cause alkylation, protein coagulation, and bacterial death.

Precautions for glutaraldehyde disinfectant:

① 2% acidic glutaraldehyde is corrosive to metals; 2% neutral glutaraldehyde is corrosive to carbon steel products such as surgical blades. Before use, 0.5% sodium nitrite should be added to prevent rust.

② The bactericidal effect of glutaraldehyde is greatly affected by pH, and its bactericidal effect is strongest when the pH is between 7.5-8.5. When soaking medical devices in acidic or enhanced acidic glutaraldehyde, the pH should be adjusted to 7.5-8.8 with 0.3% sodium bicarbonate first. When the pH exceeds 9.0, glutaraldehyde rapidly polymerizes and loses its bactericidal ability.

③ 2% alkaline glutaraldehyde can only be stored at room temperature for 2 weeks, while other formulations can be stored for 4 weeks.

④ Glutaraldehyde is irritating to the skin and mucous membranes. When in contact with the solution, gloves should be worn to prevent splashing into the eyes or inhalation.

⑤ Distilled water should be used to prepare glutaraldehyde, and the container containing glutaraldehyde solution should be clean.

⑥ Instruments disinfected or sterilized with glutaraldehyde must be thoroughly rinsed with sterilized distilled water before use.

The hazards of glutaraldehyde:

Health hazards: Harmful by inhalation, ingestion, or transdermal absorption. Has a strong irritant effect on the eyes, skin, and mucous membranes. Inhalation can cause inflammation of the larynx and bronchi, chemical pneumonia, pulmonary edema, etc. This product can cause allergic reactions.

Environmental hazards: Harmful to the environment and can cause pollution to water bodies.

Explosive hazard: This product is flammable and has strong irritant properties.

Dangerous characteristics: Flammable in the presence of open flames and high heat. Chemical reactions can occur when in contact with strong oxidants. Its vapor is heavier than air and can spread to a considerable distance at lower levels. It will ignite when exposed to a fire source. Easy to self polymerize, the polymerization reaction intensifies rapidly with increasing temperature. If exposed to high heat, the pressure inside the container increases, posing a risk of cracking and explosion.

Occupational protection: Glutaraldehyde can cause local skin and mucosal irritation, and has been reported to cause allergic contact dermatitis, asthma, nosebleeds, rhinitis, etc. Therefore, thick rubber gloves and eye masks should be worn when in contact with glutaraldehyde solution to prevent liquid from splashing into the eyes. In order to reduce the concentration of glutaraldehyde in indoor air, there must be good ventilation equipment indoors; A local exhaust hood should be equipped above the container containing glutaraldehyde. When preparing solutions, placing and removing items, they must be promptly covered to prevent glutaraldehyde evaporation. Special populations who frequently come into contact with glutaraldehyde, such as nurses, may experience sensitization in the short term, which poses a significant threat to visual organs and respiratory tract; Long term exposure can easily lead to occupational asthma.