In-use testing of four glutaraldehyde disinfectants in the Cidematic washer

Four glutaraldehyde disinfectants (Cidex, Glutarex, Sonacide, and Sporicidin) were tested in routine use in the Cidematic washer to identify the most economic, effective disinfectant among them. An in vitro killing test with Pseudomonas aeruginosa (10-min exposure) and Mycobacterium smegmatis (20-min exposure) was used. All four disinfectants were effective prior to first use. In the use tests, Cidex killed both organisms for its claimed effectiveness period of 2 weeks. Glutarex was effective against Pseudomonas for its claimed effectiveness period of 4 weeks but was effective against Mycobacterium only 3 weeks. Sonacide, claimed to be effective for 4 weeks, killed Pseudomonas for 2 weeks but was ineffective against Mycobacterium after 1 week. Sporicidin (1:15 dilution), claimed to be effective for 30 days, did not kill either test organism after 5 days. Glutarex used for a 3-week period was found to be the most economic, effective substitute for Cidex in the Cidematic machine.