How many hours must an item be submerged in glutaraldehyde to sterilize?

Glutaraldehyde is a high-level disinfectant commonly used for sterilizing heat-sensitive instruments. The reference time required for an item to achieve sterilization in a solution of glutaraldehyde is typically around 10 hours at room temperature. This means that to ensure the complete destruction of microorganisms, including spores, items must be fully submerged in the glutaraldehyde solution for this duration.

While other time frames suggest shorter durations (like 7, 8, or 9 hours), they do not meet the necessary guidelines to guarantee a high level of sterility when using glutaraldehyde as a chemical agent for sterilization. Therefore, the requirement for a full 10 hours is crucial as it ensures that all pathogens and spores are effectively eliminated, making the answer of 10 hours the correct duration for achieving sterilization with glutaraldehyde.