CIDEX is a well-known high‑level disinfectant brand used for cleaning heat-sensitive medical devices—especially endoscopes, respiratory equipment, and anesthesia tools.
🔬 Variants & Active Ingredients
1. CIDEX™ Activated Glutaraldehyde Solution
- Contains 2.45 % glutaraldehyde
- High-level disinfection achieved in 20 minutes at 20 °C
- Can be reused up to 14 days if concentration is tested regularly and maintained
- Also offers sterilant capability with 10‑hour immersion at 25 °C
2. CIDEX™ OPA (Ortho‑Phthalaldehyde) Solution
- 0.55 % OPA, glutaraldehyde-free
- Fast-acting: 5 min soak at 25 °C in automated systems; 12 min manual at 20 °C Non-corrosive, low vapor pressure, safer for sensitive instruments
🧪 Usage & Testing Guidelines
- Clean instruments thoroughly before disinfection to remove organic debris
- Immerse fully in CIDEX solution using proper trays
- Test concentration using CIDEX Test Strips before each use (1.5 % glutaraldehyde minimum; 0.3 % OPA minimum)
- Discard solution after 14 days, regardless of test results
- Rinse instruments thoroughly with clean water (3× flush recommended)
- Use appropriate PPE and ventilation to control fume exposure
⚕️ Safety & Handling
- Glutaraldehyde can irritate skin, eyes, and airways; allergenic, requires ventilation and gloves
- OPA is gentler, with lower vapor pressure, but may occasionally cause allergic-like reactions in sensitive individuals
- EPA-registered for high-level disinfection use
✅ Choosing the Right CIDEX Solution
| Feature | Glutaraldehyde (Activated) | OPA |
|---|---|---|
| Disinfection time | 20 min @ 20 °C | 5 min (auto), 12 min manual |
| Instrument compatibility | Broad, but watch delicate parts | More gentle, less corrosive |
| Safety profile | Strong fumes, sensitizing | Lower vapor, fewer fumes |
- Use glutaraldehyde when sterilizing or disinfecting items needing chemical sterilant.
- Use OPA for faster, safer high-level disinfection with fewer fumes and better material compatibility.
🧮 Summary
CIDEX is a trusted brand in healthcare for high‑level disinfection.
- Activated Glutaraldehyde for flexible sterilant/disinfectant needs;
- OPA solution offers fast action, gentler chemistry, and instrument safety.
Both require:
- Pre-cleaning
- Concentration testing
- Proper contact time
- PPE and ventilation
- Thrown out after 14 days of use
Available at:
Medstock Supplies
Mama Ngina Street, Transnational Plaza, 2nd Floor, Nairobi
Call/WhatsApp: 0722641512
Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/medstockltd
FOR MORE ORDERS GET THEM AT https://medstock.co.ke/product-category/clinical-equipments/
MICROPIPPETE 100-1000μL ACCUMAX 



