Automated method for determination of glutardialdehyde residues in flexible endoscopes after disinfection

Glutardialdehyde (GDA) is the most commonly used disinfectant for flexible endoscopes. After inappropriate rinsing of endoscopes residual GDA in the narrow endoscope channels may lead to toxic effects in patients. Common methods for determination of aldehydes in water involve derivatization with 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine (DNPH), liquid–liquid or solid-phase extraction and HPLC determination. Since derivatization and extraction is both time-consuming and labor-intensive only a small number of samples can be measured. Thus, we developed a fully automated method which includes a conventional HPLC system, a programmable autosampler, and UV detection. After GDA derivatization using DNPH the samples remain in the aqueous phase and no preconcentration of the analyte is necessary. The samples are automatically derivatized through the autosampler. While derivatization in one sample takes place the previous sample is injected and measured by HPLC. Our method is well suited for screening residual GDA in endoscopes as it is both time- and labor-saving.