AST Surgical Technologist Practice Exam

What is a method of high-level disinfection?

1. 70% isopropyl alcohol for 30 minutes

2. 2% glutaraldehyde for 20 minutes

3. Ethanol for 10 minutes

4. Hydrogen peroxide for 15 minutes

The correct answer is: 2% glutaraldehyde for 20 minutes

High-level disinfection is a critical process in healthcare for ensuring that instruments and surfaces are safe for use, particularly in procedures involving sterile areas. The use of 2% glutaraldehyde for 20 minutes is a recognized method of achieving high-level disinfection because glutaraldehyde is a potent chemical agent that effectively kills a wide range of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi. The effectiveness of glutaraldehyde as a disinfectant stems from its ability to penetrate the cell walls of microorganisms, leading to cellular destruction. The specific concentration and exposure time are key; 2% concentration for a minimum of 20 minutes ensures that sufficient contact time and concentration are maintained to achieve the desired level of disinfection. In contrast, other methods listed may not provide the same level of efficacy or may not be recommended for high-level disinfection. 70% isopropyl alcohol, while effective for standard disinfection, typically performs best at a contact time of longer than 30 seconds and does not offer the same robust coverage against certain pathogens. Ethanol also has limitations on the spectrum of organisms it can effectively eliminate and may require longer contact times for high-level disinfection. Hydrogen peroxide can be effective but often requires specific conditions for optimal activity