Disinfection of metal and plastic pelvic specula in general practice

One hundred and sixteen general practices in Wellington were surveyed about their use and disinfection of gynaecological specula. Two thirds of the practices used metal specula which were adequately disinfected by boiling for at least one hour. Of the 46 practices that used plastic specula, only four always disposed of them, as recommended, after use. Aldehyde or halogen disinfectants which are effective against all important sexually-transmitted disease (STD) organisms were used by only 13 of the 42 practices that recycled specula. The remaining 29 practices used quaternary ammonium or diguanide disinfectants which may not be effective against all STD organisms.