McKesson 28-Day 2.5% Glutaraldehyde Sterilizing and Disinfecting Solution - 1 Gallon High-Level Disinfectant

Professional-Grade Sterilization for Heat-Sensitive Medical Instruments

This powerful, long-lasting sterilizing and disinfecting solution is specifically engineered for heat-sensitive, immersible medical and dental instruments that require high-level disinfection without the risk of thermal damage. Formulated with a precisely buffered 2.5% glutaraldehyde concentration, this professional-grade solution delivers reliable sterilization and disinfection performance for critical healthcare applications across hospitals, dental practices, surgical centers, and clinical laboratories.

Extended 28-Day Activated Formula for Maximum Efficiency

Once activated, this advanced glutaraldehyde solution maintains its full potency for a complete 28 days, significantly reducing waste, replacement frequency, and operational costs compared to shorter-duration formulations. The activated formula immediately changes to a distinctive bluish-green color upon mixing with the included activator vial, providing instant visual confirmation that the solution is ready for use. This extended efficacy period allows healthcare facilities to maintain consistent sterilization protocols while optimizing inventory management and reducing the environmental impact of frequent solution disposal.

Advanced Corrosion Protection for Delicate Instruments

Enhanced with sodium nitrite as a proven corrosion inhibitor, this glutaraldehyde solution actively protects valuable metal instruments from oxidation, pitting, and surface degradation during the sterilization process. This protective formulation is particularly critical for expensive surgical instruments, dental tools, and precision medical devices where even minor corrosion can compromise performance, longevity, and patient safety. The corrosion-inhibiting properties ensure your instrument investment remains protected throughout repeated sterilization cycles.

Superior Cleaning Action with Integrated Surfactants

Formulated with specialized surfactants that enhance penetration and cleaning efficiency, this solution doesn't just sterilize—it actively improves the removal of organic contaminants, bioburden, and residual debris from instrument surfaces and hard-to-reach lumens. The surfactant technology ensures thorough contact with all instrument surfaces, including complex geometries and internal channels, delivering comprehensive disinfection that meets the highest clinical standards for infection control and patient safety.

Key Features & Clinical Benefits

• 28-Day Extended Use Period: Activated formula remains fully potent for 28 days after mixing, dramatically reducing waste and replacement costs while maintaining consistent sterilization efficacy
• High-Level Disinfection Power: 2.5% buffered glutaraldehyde concentration provides proven sterilization and high-level disinfection for critical and semi-critical medical instruments
• Corrosion Inhibitor Protection: Sodium nitrite additive actively protects metal instruments from corrosion, extending instrument lifespan and preserving precision surfaces
• Enhanced Surfactant Technology: Integrated surfactants improve solution penetration and cleaning action, ensuring thorough removal of contaminants from all instrument surfaces
• Visual Activation Indicator: Solution changes to bluish-green color immediately upon activation, providing clear confirmation of proper mixing and readiness for use
• Compatible Monitoring System: Works seamlessly with Metrex Brand Test Strips for reliable, accurate concentration monitoring and quality assurance compliance
• Large Volume Supply: One-gallon (128 fl. oz. / 3.8 L) container provides substantial volume for high-throughput healthcare facilities and busy clinical practices
• Latex-Free Formulation: Safe for use in latex-sensitive environments, reducing risk of allergic reactions for staff and patients
• Manual System Compatible: Designed for use in manual bucket and tray systems constructed from polypropylene, ABS, polyethylene, glass-filled polypropylene, or specially molded polycarbonate plastics

Important Usage Considerations

Not Recommended for Optical Instruments: This glutaraldehyde solution is not suitable for scopes or instruments with lenses due to the potential for film development on optical surfaces. For endoscopes and lens-containing instruments, consult manufacturer guidelines for appropriate reprocessing solutions.

Requires Thorough Pre-Cleaning: All instruments must be thoroughly cleaned, rinsed, and rough-dried before immersion to ensure maximum disinfection efficacy. Blood, tissue, and organic matter must be completely removed prior to sterilization, as residual contamination will significantly decrease germicidal effectiveness.

Activation & Usage Protocol

Activate the solution by adding the entire contents of the included Activator Plus vial to the container and shaking well. The solution will immediately turn bluish-green, indicating it is ready for use. Record the activation date and 28-day expiration date on the container label for proper tracking and compliance documentation. The solution is intended for use in manual sterilization systems and should be stored in well-ventilated areas in closed containers to minimize exposure.

Safety & Protective Equipment Requirements

Healthcare personnel must wear appropriate personal protective equipment when handling this solution, including protective gloves (butyl rubber, nitrile rubber, polyethylene, or double-gloved latex), eye protection, face masks, and liquid-proof gowns during cleaning and sterilization procedures. Direct contact with glutaraldehyde is corrosive to exposed tissue and can cause eye damage and skin irritation. Always use in well-ventilated areas, avoid contamination of food, and keep out of reach of children. In case of eye or skin contact, immediately flush with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes and seek medical attention for eye exposure.

Quality Assurance & Concentration Monitoring

For optimal sterilization assurance and regulatory compliance, use compatible 1.8% glutaraldehyde concentration indicator test strips to monitor solution strength before each sterilization cycle. This monitoring practice detects unexpected dilution, ensures consistent efficacy throughout the 28-day use period, and provides documentation for quality assurance programs and accreditation requirements. When used in automated endoscope washers, follow the washer manufacturer's validated reprocessing procedure and monitor concentration before each cycle.

Professional Healthcare Applications

Ideal for sterilization and high-level disinfection of heat-sensitive medical and dental instruments including surgical tools, dental handpieces, anesthesia equipment, respiratory therapy devices, flexible instruments, and other immersible medical devices that cannot withstand high-temperature steam sterilization. This solution is trusted by hospitals, ambulatory surgical centers, dental offices, endoscopy suites, and clinical laboratories for reliable infection control and instrument reprocessing protocols that meet CDC, OSHA, and manufacturer guidelines.