<prompt> Best disinfectant for endoscopes is: D. REPEAT 2012HypochloriteFormaldehydeGlutaraldehydeChlorhexidine  <response>: Ref: Russel, Hugo and Ay tiff es Principles and Practice of Disinfection, Preservation and Sterilization, 4th edition, Page 568Explanation:Activated 2 alkaline glutaraldehyde is used for decontaminating flexible endoscopes.Advantageso Relatively non-corrosiveo Will kill spores with prolonged exposure 3- 10 hours.Disadvantageso Toxic.o Irritant.Possible alternatives:o Orthophthalaldehyde OPA peracetic acid.o Chlorine dioxide ClO2 products such as Tristel.o Superoxidized water Sterilox.Advantages of these newer agents are - rapidly sporicidal, mycohactericidal and viricidal.BUT remember - No agent is clearly superior to the others and a thorough assessment needs to be performed before an alternative agent is chosen.Commonly Used DisinfectantsDisinfectantUseActive againstEthyl alcoholSkin antisepticsBactcncidal but not sporicidalIsopropylalcohol Disinfection of suture material Clinical thermometersBactericidal but not sporicidalMethyl alcohol Cabinets IncubatorsActive against bacteria and fungal sporesFormaldehyde OT fumigationBactericidal, Spori cidal and VirucidalGlutaraldehyde Bronchoscopes Endoscopes CystoscopesBactericidal, Spori cidal andVirucidal less toxic irritantHypochlorite Blood spillBactericidal, Spori cidal and VirucidalChlorhexidine Treatment of woundsBactericidal, Mod erate Sporicidal and VirucidalEthylene oxide Heart lung machines Respirators Dental equipmentBactericidal, Spori cidal and Virucidal i highly penetrating gas 