What it means
A strong disinfectant used for instruments that cannot be heated, such as endoscopes. Soaked for the time on the label, it kills all germs except large numbers of spores (high-level disinfection); with a much longer contact time it can sterilize. Its fumes irritate the eyes, nose, lungs and skin, and it can cause asthma and skin allergy in staff.
For the nurse
Use it only in a well-ventilated area or a closed system, with gloves (nitrile or butyl), gown and eye protection. Rinse devices thoroughly afterward, since residue burns tissue. Check the solution's strength with test strips as directed.
At a glance
| Also written | Cidex |
|---|
Related terms
disinfection
Cleaning a surface or object with chemicals or heat to kill most germs, though not always all bacterial spores.
reprocessing
The steps that make a used reusable medical device safe to use on the next patient.
sterilant
A chemical that kills all forms of microbial life, including bacterial spores.