Which of the following is a method of high-level disinfection?

High-level disinfection is a critical process in healthcare settings, ensuring that instruments and devices are effectively cleaned and disinfected to prevent the transmission of infectious agents. Among the methods listed, the use of 2% glutaraldehyde for 20 minutes is well-established as a high-level disinfectant.

Glutaraldehyde is a chemical agent used for disinfection that can effectively kill bacteria, viruses, and fungi when instruments are immersed for the appropriate amount of time. The specified 20-minute exposure is sufficient for achieving high-level disinfection of heat-sensitive medical devices and instruments that cannot be sterilized through conventional methods.

The other methods, while they have their specific uses, do not align as well with the criteria for high-level disinfection under standard protocols. For example, peracetic acid is also effective but typically requires a longer exposure time. Steam under pressure is a method of sterilization rather than disinfection and refers to processes that achieve sterility rather than high-level disinfection. Lastly, hydrogen peroxide gas plasma is primarily utilized for low-temperature sterilization rather than disinfection.

Thus, 2% glutaraldehyde for 20 minutes is recognized as a reliable method of high-level disinfection due to its widespread use and efficacy within the