Cidex is a brand name for which chemical?

• A. Ethanol
• B. Hydrogen Peroxide
• C. Glutaraldehyde
• D. Formaldehyde

Answer: (C)

Cidex is a brand-name high-level disinfectant that contains glutaraldehyde. Glutaraldehyde works by alkylating vital proteins and other cellular components, quickly inactivating a wide range of microbes on heat-sensitive medical instruments. That makes it a common choice for soaking and disinfecting tools like endoscopes where heat sterilization isn’t possible. This distinguishes it from ethanol, which is an alcohol-based disinfectant; hydrogen peroxide, which acts as an oxidizing agent; and formaldehyde, another sterilant with different uses and safety considerations. So when you see Cidex, the active chemical you’re dealing with is glutaraldehyde.