What is glutaraldehyde commonly used for?

Glutaraldehyde is widely recognized for its role as a sterilant and disinfectant, particularly in medical and laboratory settings. This chemical compound is effective in killing a broad range of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Its high-level disinfection properties make it valuable for sterilizing heat-sensitive instruments and equipment that cannot withstand traditional autoclaving.

The use of glutaraldehyde is crucial in environments where infection control is paramount. Upon exposure, it alters the structure of proteins and nucleic acids in microorganisms, leading to their inactivation. This application distinguishes glutaraldehyde from the other options, which primarily focus on different therapeutic or procedural uses. Anesthetic agents are used for pain relief during procedures, antibiotics treat bacterial infections, and analgesics are general pain relievers, none of which serve the vital function of high-level disinfection and sterilization that glutaraldehyde provides.