Strong yet Gentle for Automated Reprocessing

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is CIDEX^® OPA•C Solution?
   

   Based on proven CIDEX^® OPA Solution technology, CIDEX^® OPA•C Solution is a concentrated high-level disinfectant (HLD) designed for automated endoscope reprocessors. CIDEX^® OPA Concentrate Solution is a glutaraldehyde-free, ortho-phthalaldehyde solution designed for use with the EVOTECH^® Endoscope Cleaner and Reprocessor (ECR). A single shot of CIDEX^® OPA•C Solution safely delivers fresh HLD to each scope. The solution is bactericidial, fungicidal, mycobactericidal (including tuberculocidal), sporicidal and virucidal. CIDEX^® OPA•C Solution provides rapid, effective disinfection of a wide range of endoscopes and other medical devices.

2. How long does it take CIDEX^® OPA•C Solution to achieve high level disinfection?
   

   CIDEX^® OPA Concentrate Solution achieves high-level disinfection at the minimum IN USE concentration of 0.055% with a contact time of 5 minutes at 50°C for reprocessing heat sensitive (<60°C) semi-critical medical devices (endoscopes) when used according to the Directions for Use. CIDEX^® OPA Concentrate Solution is intended for use only in the EVOTECH^® ECR. Do not use this product in automatic endoscope reprocessors that reuse the high-level disinfectant. This product is not intended for manual use. See Directions For Use.

3. How long does CIDEX^® OPA•C Solution remain effective?
   

   CIDEX^® OPA•C Solution is a single-shot solution that cannot be reused. The expiration date of the unopened CIDEX^® OPA•C Solution is found on the immediate container. Once opened, the unused portion of the concentrate may be stored in the original container, connected to the machine, for up to 80 days.

4. How can I measure the minimum effective concentration (MEC) of CIDEX^® OPA•C Solution?
   

   Since CIDEX^® OPA•C Solution is designed for use with the EVOTECH^® ECR, MEC monitoring is automatically performed during each cycle. The onboard MEC monitor of the EVOTECH^® ECR assures the amount of CIDEX^® OPA•C Solution in use is effective for each cycle and scope while eliminating the need for test strips and reducing worker exposure to chemicals.

5. What are the material compatibility characteristics of CIDEX^® OPA•C Solution?
   

   CIDEX^® OPA•C Solution has a near-neutral pH of 7.2 to 7.8 that allows the solution to have excellent compatibility with a wide range of endoscopes and other medical devices. For a list of materials compatible with CIDEX^® OPA Solution, please visit the CIDEX^® OPA•C Solution Material Compatibility section (featured under the Specs tab).

6. What are the advantages of CIDEX^® OPA•C Solution versus glutaraldehyde and peracetic acid?
   

   CIDEX^® OPA•C Solution has been proven to be a better investment than either glutaraldehyde or peracetic acid.^1,2  This glutaraldehyde-free solution is virtually odorless due to low vapor pressure and its use does not require special venting or air monitoring (most studies conducted have concluded that the vapor pressure of CIDEX^® OPA•C Solution is undetectable at room temperature).

   CIDEX^® OPA•C Solution reduces instrument damage and repair costs by offering unsurpassed material compatibility. It is also noncorrosive and gentler on flexible scopes than peracetic acid. CIDEX^® OPA•C Solution reprocesses more devices per gallon than glutaraldehyde, with no need for activation or mixing. The solution is effective even against glutaraldehyde-resistant mycobacteria.

7. Does CIDEX^® OPA•C Solution have a contraindication for urological devices?
   

   No, there are no contraindications for reprocessing urological instruments in the EVOTECH^® Endoscope Cleaner and Reprocessor (ECR) when used as directed with the high-level disinfectant, CIDEX^® OPA Concentrate Solution.

8. If CIDEX^® OPA Solution has a contraindication for urological devices, why doesn’t CIDEX^® OPA•C Solution have the same contraindication?
   

   Although CIDEX^® OPA•C Solution is based on CIDEX^® OPA Solution technology, the IN USE ortho-phthalaldehyde concentration of CIDEX^® OPA•C Solution is 10 times less than that of CIDEX^® OPA Solution. Additionally, since CIDEX^® OPA•C Solution can only be used in the EVOTECH® ECR, the proper amount of rinses can be ensured. Therefore, the EVOTECH^® ECR is a viable choice for meeting the automated endoscope reprocessing needs of urology service providers.

    
9. What are the appropriate procedures for handling CIDEX^® OPA•C Solution during pregnancy?
   

   According to the toxicity section of the Materials Safety Data Sheet, CIDEX^® OPA•C Solution is not reported to produce mutagenic, embryotoxic, teratogenic, or reproductive effects in humans. For further information, an OB/GYN should be consulted.

10. What times and temperatures does ASP recommend for tuberculocidal efficacy with the CIDEX^® Family of Products?
    

    The following times and temperatures are recommended:

    • CIDEX^® OPA Solution: 5-minute soak time at a minimum of 25°C in an automatic endoscope reprocessor*; 12-minute soak time at 20°C for manual reprocessing
    • CIDEX^® OPA•C Solution: 5-minute soak time at a minimum of 50°C in the EVOTECH® ECR
    • CIDEXPLUS^® 28 Day Solution: 20 minutes at 25°C
    • CIDEX^® Activated Dialdehyde Solution: 45 minutes at 25°C
11. Do I need to wear gloves when using CIDEX^® OPA•C Solution?
    

    When disinfecting devices, we recommend using gloves of appropriate type. The user should double glove and/or change single gloves frequently (e.g., after 12 minutes of exposure). For individuals who are sensitive to latex or other components in latex gloves, 100% synthetic copolymer, nitrile rubber, or butyl rubber gloves may be used.

12. What are the appropriate disposal and ventilation procedures for CIDEX^® OPA•C Solution?
    

    IN USE CIDEX^® OPA Concentrate Solution can be discarded down hospital drains per hospital policy. Check local disposal requirements. Undiluted CIDEX^® OPA Concentrate Solution may be neutralized with 334 grams of glycine per 5 liters. After a reaction time of 24 hours the neutralized solution can be discarded in accordance with local disposal requirements for non hazardous waste. The CIDEX^® OPA•C Solution container can be discarded as hazardous waste per local regulations. Please check disposal requirements with your local agency or with ASP Customer Support at 888-783-7723 or aspserve@aspus.jnj.com.

    Because CIDEX^® OPA•C Solution has a very low vapor pressure, vapors of the solution are not readily generated under normal working environments. In a safe environment under normal conditions, special ventilation is not required for glutaraldehyde-free CIDEX^® OPA•C Solution. For more information, please contact ASP Customer Support at 888-783-7723 or aspserve@aspus.jnj.com.

13. What What is ASP's recommendation for cleaning up spilled CIDEX^® OPA•C Solution?
    

    First, be sure to follow your facility's waste disposal practices and all state and local regulations. Responders should wear appropriate personal protective equipment during the clean up of spills. Collect the spilled liquid with sponges and/or mop into a plastic container suitable for the size of the spill. Add 25 gm of glycine for each gallon of estimated spillage and allow to neutralize for 1 hour. Mop down the spill area with soap and water, followed by a water rinse, then flush all liquids down the drain, followed by large amounts of water. Rinse the mop and sponge with soap and large amounts of water and discard the rinse water down the drain, followed by large amounts of water. Clean and rinse the container and all clean-up materials with soap and large amounts of water. Discard the rinse water down the drain, followed by large amounts of water.

14. How should CIDEX^® OPA•C Solution be stored?
    

    CIDEX^® OPA•C Solution should be stored in its original sealed container at controlled room temperature 15–30°C (59–86°F) in a well-ventilated, low-traffic area.

15. What kind of technical support do I get with the CIDEX^® Family of Products?
    

    ASP offers responsive technical support 24 hours/day, 7 days/week, 365 days/year. Our knowledgeable technical support representatives work quickly to identify and resolve all your technical issues. For technical support, please contact ASP Customer Support at 888-783-7723 or aspserve@aspus.jnj.com.

16. How do I order CIDEX^® OPA•C Solution and supplies?
    

    A complete description of CIDEX^® OPA•C Solution and supplies is available within this site. To order, please contact your local distributor.