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Hydrogen peroxide and peracetic acid sterilants
Also called: chemical sterilant, liquid sterilant
Other liquid chemicals cleared for sterilizing or high-level disinfecting.
Besides glutaraldehyde and OPA, some FDA-cleared liquid sterilants and high-level disinfectants use hydrogen peroxide (for example a 7.5% solution) or peracetic acid. CDC notes these are powerful, sporicidal and toxic, and the label instructions for dilution, time and temperature must be followed exactly.
How to spot it
- Hydrogen peroxide or peracetic acid listed as the active ingredient on a sterilant label (not a surface wipe).
What it is used for
- Rare in dental offices; only for heat-sensitive items per label.
Safety and care
- Corrosive and irritating; use chemical-resistant PPE and good ventilation.
Related
Sources: CDC. Guideline for Disinfection and Sterilization in Healthcare Facilities (2008): Chemical Disinfectants, CDC. Guidelines for Infection Control in Dental Health-Care Settings, 2003. MMWR 2003;52(RR-17)