What type of disinfectant is required for a sigmoidoscope?

A sigmoidoscope is a medical instrument used to visualize the inside of the rectum and sigmoid colon, and because it is classified as a semi-critical item, it requires a high-level disinfectant for reprocessing. High-level disinfection is essential as it eliminates most microorganisms, including bacteria and viruses, but may not necessarily kill all bacterial spores.

Since the sigmoidoscope comes into contact with mucous membranes, utilizing a high-level disinfectant ensures the device is safe for use on patients. This process typically involves a thorough cleaning followed by disinfection with chemicals that meet the criteria for high-level disinfection, such as glutaraldehyde or ortho-phthalaldehyde.

In contrast, low-level disinfectants are suitable for non-critical items, intermediate-level disinfectants are effective for semi-critical items that are not intended for direct mucosal contact, and alcohol-based disinfectants may not achieve the level of microbial kill needed for an instrument that penetrates body surfaces. Therefore, a high-level disinfectant is mandatory for the safe handling and reprocessing of a sigmoidoscope.