A gastroenterology unit needs to sterilize flexible endoscopes that cannot withstand autoclaving. They use 2% glutaraldehyde solution. What is the minimum immersion time required to achieve sterilization with this agent?

• A 10 minutes
• B 20 minutes
• C 2 hours
• D 10 hours ✓

Explanation

2% glutaraldehyde requires 20 to 90 minutes for high-level disinfection, but 10 hours for sterilization. It acts by cross-linking proteins and is sporicidal over extended exposure. Shorter times are insufficient to kill all bacterial endospores.

Reference: Ananthanarayan and Panicker's Textbook of Microbiology, 10th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

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