Cidex is also known as?

HPSSC Staff Nurse - 2021

Applied Microbiology & Infection control

Easy

Appeared in: HPSSC Staff Nurse - 2021

Explanation

Cidex is a widely recognized trade name for chemical solutions containing glutaraldehyde.
It is classified as a high-level disinfectant and chemical sterilant, effective against a broad spectrum of microbes including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and spores.
It is the preferred choice for heat-sensitive medical instruments like endoscopes, bronchoscopes, and dialysis equipment that cannot be autoclaved.
The most common formulation is a 2% alkaline glutaraldehyde solution which requires activation before use and has a limited shelf-life.

Option A: Formaldehyde is another aldehyde disinfectant, but it is more commonly used for tissue preservation (as formalin) and as a fumigating agent. It is generally considered more toxic and irritating than glutaraldehyde for routine instrument disinfection.
Option C: Korsolex is a brand name for a different line of instrument disinfectants. The question asks for the chemical name that Cidex is known as, not another trade name.
Option D: Hypochlorite, specifically sodium hypochlorite, is the chemical name for bleach. While a powerful disinfectant, it is highly corrosive to metals and is inactivated by organic material, making it unsuitable for disinfecting delicate and expensive instruments like endoscopes.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Identification of chemical disinfectants and their common trade names as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Proper instrument disinfection is a cornerstone of infection control in healthcare, directly preventing the transmission of pathogens and healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) between patients.
Nurses must be knowledgeable about the correct disinfectant, its required concentration, and the necessary contact time for different types of medical equipment to ensure patient safety and maintain instrument integrity.
Safe handling, including the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and adequate ventilation, is crucial when working with chemical sterilants like glutaraldehyde to prevent occupational exposure and health risks.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the core of the question. It asks for the chemical name of a specific brand, 'Cidex'.
Recognize this as a factual recall question, which tests your knowledge of common medical supplies, specifically disinfectants used in infection control.
Systematically evaluate the options provided based on your knowledge of chemical agents.
Recall or deduce that Formaldehyde is primarily for tissue preservation, Hypochlorite is bleach for surfaces, and Korsolex is another brand.
This leaves Glutaraldehyde, which is the well-known chemical component of Cidex, a high-level disinfectant for medical instruments. Select this as the correct answer.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Identification of chemical disinfectants and their common trade names.
Stem keywords: Cidex
Lead-in keywords: also known as

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E6 Pharmacology Katzung 16e p. 1397-1399