Endoscopy, biocides

Glutaraldehyde (1,3-diformyl propane) is a powerful, cold disinfectant. It is used principally in aqueous solution as a biocide and chemical disinfectant. It has been widely used in the health services, e.g. in operating theatres, endoscopy units, dental units and X-ray film processing. 

Tuberculosis is on the increase in developed countries such as the USA and UK furthermore, MAI may be associated with AIDS sufferers. Hospital-acquired opportunistic mycobacteria may cause disseminated infection and also lung infections, endocarditis and pericarditis. Transmission of mycobacterial infection by endoscopy is rare, despite a marked increase in the use of flexible fibreoptic endoscopes, but bronchoscopy is probably the greatest hazard for the transmission ofM tuberculosis and other mycobacteria. Thus, biocides used for bronchoscope disinfection must be ehosen carefully to ensure that such transmission does not occur. 

---