Sporicidal activity/sterilization requires 10 hours contact time which is seldom possible in busy OTs. Immersion in Cidex for 20 mins at 20☌ provides high level disinfection. Modern low-temperature sterilization processes include ethylene oxide (ETO), hydrogen peroxide plasma, low-temperature steam and formaldehyde (LTSF), gamma radiation, electron beam technology and liquid chemical sterilizing (LCS), with the latest addition being ozone (O 3).Ĭidex™ (2.4% glutaraldehyde, Advanced Sterilization Products Cilag GmbH International), a five decade old, widely prevalent and effective LTS technique has several drawbacks including inadequate disinfection if used within 2 hours of activation.
Low temperature sterilization (LTS) has invaded the operation theatre (OT) because many components of advanced minimally invasive surgical (MIS) instruments, including robotic surgery equipment, have zero tolerance for high temperature steam sterilizers.
