AST Surgical Technologist Exam Practice 2025 – Complete Study Resource

For an item to achieve sterilization using glutaraldehyde, it typically requires a minimum of 10 hours of immersion. Glutaraldehyde is a high-level disinfectant that can effectively sterilize heat-sensitive medical instruments when used properly. The mode of action involves protein denaturation and disruption of microbial cell membranes, but adequate exposure time is crucial to ensure all microorganisms, including spores, are effectively eliminated.

Submersing the item for only 30 minutes would generally be insufficient for complete sterilization, as many bacteria and spores require longer exposure to such agents. While some sources discuss shorter contact times for high-level disinfection, the established minimum for full sterilization is at least 10 hours. Other durations, such as 5 hours or 24 hours, may not align with standard protocols for glutaraldehyde use and may not be practical in a surgical setting. Therefore, a 10-hour immersion is required to reliably achieve sterilization.