Microbiology

A chest physician performs bronchoscopy in the procedure room of the out patient department. To make the instrument safe for use in the next patient waiting outside, the most appropriate method to disinfect the endoscope is by :

Name: A chest physician performs bronchoscopy in the procedure room of the out patient department. To make the instrument safe for use in the next patient waiting outside, the most appropriate method to disinfect the endoscope is by :
Creator: Medical MCQ
Published: 2024-04-10T23:00:15+05:30
Keywords: Microbiology

💡 Explanation

**Core Concept**
High-level disinfection is a critical step in preventing the transmission of infectious agents during medical procedures. Glutaraldehyde is a widely used disinfectant for endoscopes due to its ability to inactivate a broad spectrum of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi.

**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
Glutaraldehyde is a potent disinfectant that works by cross-linking proteins in the cell walls of microorganisms, ultimately leading to their inactivation. The recommended concentration of glutaraldehyde for high-level disinfection is 2%, which is effective against a wide range of microorganisms. The recommended exposure time for glutaraldehyde is 20 minutes, which allows sufficient time for the disinfectant to penetrate and inactivate all microorganisms on the endoscope. This combination of concentration and exposure time makes 2% glutaraldehyde for 20 minutes the most appropriate method for disinfecting endoscopes.

**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** 70% alcohol for 5 min - While alcohol is effective against many microorganisms, its concentration and exposure time are not sufficient for high-level disinfection of endoscopes. Alcohol is more suited for low-level disinfection of surfaces and equipment.

**Option C:** 2% formaldehyde for 10 min - Formaldehyde is a disinfectant, but it is not as effective as glutaraldehyde for high-level disinfection of endoscopes. Formaldehyde can also be toxic and requires special handling and disposal procedures.

**Option D:** 1% sodium hypochlorite for 15 min - Sodium hypochlorite is a disinfectant, but its concentration and exposure time are not sufficient for high-level disinfection of endoscopes. Sodium hypochlorite can also damage the materials used in endoscope construction.

**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
When using glutaraldehyde for high-level disinfection, it's essential to follow the manufacturer's instructions for concentration and exposure time. Additionally, glutaraldehyde can be irritating to the skin and respiratory system, so proper personal protective equipment (PPE) and ventilation should be used.

**✓ Correct Answer: B. 2% glutaraldehyde for 20 min**

✓ Correct Answer: B. 2% glutaraldehyde for 20 min

A chest physician performs bronchoscopy in the procedure room of the out patient department. To make the instrument safe for use in the next patient waiting outside, the most appropriate method to disinfect the endoscope is by :

A chest physician performs bronchoscopy in the procedure room of the out patient department. To make the instrument safe for use in the next patient waiting outside, the most appropriate method to disinfect the endoscope is by :

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