Clinical evaluation of ColdSpor, a glutaraldehyde-phenolic disinfectant

Disinfecting solutions may vary in concentration and bactericidal activity with use, may have subjectively unpleasant characteristics, and may affect the appearance and physical condition of the equipment processed. We evaluated the high-level disinfectant ColdSpor (0.5% glutaraldehyde, 0.025% ortho-phenylphenol, and 0.005% para-tertiary amylphenol) by using it as the disinfecting agent in the processing of equipment for a large respiratory care service.

The type and quantity of equipment disinfected and the physical condition of the equipment were observed and recorded. Samples of the disinfectant solution were analyzed each week, and the antimicrobial activity of the solution was tested against clinical isolates and test cultures of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The odor of the solution and ease of use were subjectively evaluated by two equipment-processing technicians.

More than 2,400 pieces of respiratory equipment were passed through the disinfectant solution during the 30-day study period. No changes in the appearance of the equipment were noted. Analysis revealed that 71% or more of the antimicrobial chemicals remained in the solution. Clinical isolates and test cultures of P aeruginosa showed no growth when cultured with samples of the solution in use up to 30 days. The two technicians subjectively judged the solution to have no noticeable odor and to produce no burning of the eyes.

The concentration of components of the glutaraldehyde-phenolic solution maintained bactericidal activity for as long as 30 days. The solution produced no apparent physical change in equipment and was subjectively acceptable to those processing equipment.