Cidex OPA is one of the most commonly used high-level disinfectants in hospital settings. It is a disinfectant that is specifically designed for cleaning reusable medical equipment that cannot be cleaned through the use of an autoclave or another type of sterilization system.
Use Of Cidex OPA
In most cases, this will include endoscopic equipment, but it can also be used for different reusable equipment as well. It is safe for most metals used in medical equipment as well as for a range of plastics, elastomers, and adhesives. It is always essential to verify that Cidex OPA is safe for all components on any medical device before use.
The disinfectant can be used in the manual processing of the reusable medical equipment, but it can also be used in automated types of medical equipment cleaning systems. These have to be specialized endoscope reprocessors that are approved for use for the medical devices as well as for the disinfectant.
Tips for Use
When using the disinfectant in a cleaning system, it is essential to use Cidex OPA test strips before each load. This is completed to ensure the minimum effective concentration or MEC of the disinfectant is present at the time of processing.
Due to the nature of the Cidex OPA test strips and the sensitivity of the indicator pad, there are some important tips to consider for testing and use. These include:
* Store the test strips within the manufacturer’s guidelines for temperature
* Ensure the test strips remain in the original bottle with the desiccant packets and with the lid secured to prevent humidity from affecting the indicator pad
* Remove the Cidex OPA test strips from the bottle only immediately before testing
* Do not touch the indicator pad
* Use the test strip only once and discard
Always check the expiration date on the bottle and discard any unused test strips past their expiration date for accuracy with testing results.
