Glutaraldehyde use in endoscopy: a Canadian review.

Endoscopy units in 27 large teaching hospitals in Canada were surveyed to ascertain which solution was being used to soak endoscopic equipment. The purpose of this survey was to discover if staff in endoscopy units were experiencing side effects as a result of exposure to the soaking solutions. The type of solution used, the use of washing machines and the addition of ventilation are examined in relation to the side effects experienced. The results of the survey showed that five solutions were being used by GI units to soak and clean scopes. All five of the solutions contained some glutaraldehyde, and side effects were reported by staff using all five solutions. The use of washing machines and additional ventilation at some of the hospitals may have had an effect on the number of side effects experienced, but the results could not be used to determine their effect conclusively.