Which disinfectants are commonly used for immersion sterilization?

Immersion sterilization is a critical process in the infection control protocol used in dental practices to ensure that instruments are free from pathogens. The correct choice, which includes glutaraldehyde and hydrogen peroxide, is accurate because both substances are known for their effectiveness as high-level disinfectants when used in immersion processes.

Glutaraldehyde is a chemical that is widely recognized for its sterility and ability to penetrate organic material, making it effective in killing a broad spectrum of microorganisms. It's often employed for disinfecting instruments that cannot withstand high heat sterilization. Hydrogen peroxide, particularly in higher concentrations, also has strong antimicrobial properties and is effective against bacteria, viruses, and fungi when used in the immersion process.

The reason the other combinations are less suitable for immersion sterilization involves their chemical properties and effectiveness. For instance, benzalkonium chloride and quaternary ammonium compounds are primarily surface disinfectants and are not typically used for immersion as they generally require higher concentrations and longer exposure times to achieve the level of disinfection that immersion provides.

Chlorine is effective for disinfection but is not routinely used for immersion due to its corrosive nature and potential for damaging instruments. Alcohol is a good disinfectant but typically used for surface disinfection and is not suitable for