Which of the following is used for high level disinfection with a minimum exposure time of 20-45 minutes?

Glutaraldehyde is a chemical agent often employed for high-level disinfection, particularly in healthcare settings where surgical instruments and equipment need to be effectively sterilized without being subjected to heat or moisture. The minimum exposure time of 20-45 minutes at a temperature of 20-25 degrees Celsius is crucial for ensuring that the solution adequately disrupts the cellular integrity of microorganisms, thereby achieving high-level disinfection.

While other agents have their own applications in disinfection or sterilization processes, glutaraldehyde is specifically recognized for its efficacy in forming cross-links with microbial proteins, which renders it effective against a broad spectrum of pathogens. This property enables it to eliminate bacteria, viruses, and fungi, making it particularly useful for devices that cannot withstand heat sterilization.

In contrast, agents like chlorine bleach compounds, while effective as disinfectants, do not commonly achieve high-level disinfection especially within the same time frame as glutaraldehyde. Hydrogen peroxide is also utilized for disinfection but often requires longer exposure times or specific concentrations that may not align with the parameters needed for high-level disinfection. Iodine and iodophors are primarily antiseptics and disinfectants but are generally not classified for high-level disinfection of reusable medical instruments in the same