Glutaraldehyde, which has two reactive aldehyde groups, is 10 times more effective than formaldehyde and is less toxic. It denatures proteins and nucleic acids. Both proteins and nucleic acids contain essential -NH2 and -OH groups, which are the main sites of alkylation. In hospitals, it is used to sterilize respiratory therapy equipment, endoscopes, and hemodialysis equipment. Ref: Levinson W. (2012). Chapter 13. Sterilization & Disinfection. In W. Levinson (Ed), Review of Medical Microbiology & Immunology, 12e.