Frequently Asked Questions

The following list represents the most frequently asked questions about CIDEX OPA Solution. For additional information, please contact ASP Customer Support at 888-783-7723 or email aspservices@aspus.jnj.com.

1. What is CIDEX OPA Solution?
   CIDEX OPA Solution is a glutaraldehyde-free (0.55% ortho-phthalaldehyde) solution solution that provides a rapid 5-minute soak time at a minimum of 25°C in an automatic endoscope reprocessor* and is also an effective choice for manual reprocessing, with a 12-minute cycle at room temperature (20°C). It has excellent tuberculocidal and high-level disinfection capabilities. CIDEX OPA Solution provides rapid, effective disinfection of a wide range of endoscopes and other medical devices.
   
   * When used or reused in a legally marketed automatic endoscope reprocessor that can be set to a minimum of 25°C according to the directions for use.
   
   
2. How long does it take CIDEX OPA Solution to achieve high level disinfection?
   CIDEX OPA Solution achieves high level disinfection with a rapid 5-minute soak time at a minimum of 25°C in an automatic endoscope reprocessor* and 12-minute soak time at room temperature (20°C) for manual reprocessing or for reprocessors that cannot maintain the disinfectant temperature at a minimum of 25°C.
   
   * When used or reused in a legally marketed automatic endoscope reprocessor that can be set to a minimum of 25°C according to the directions for use.
   
   
3. Does CIDEX OPA Solution require activation or mixing?
   No. CIDEX OPA Solution does not require activation or mixing.
   
   
4. How long does CIDEX OPA Solution remain effective?
   CIDEX OPA Solution can be re-used for up to 14 days. ASP recommends testing for the minimum effective concentration (MEC) prior to each use. Opened but unused solution may be stored in the bottle for up to 75 days. Unopened solution has a 2-year shelf life from date of manufacture. The expiration date can be found on the bottle.
   
   
5. How can I measure the minimum effective concentration (MEC) of CIDEX OPA Solution? Easy-to-use and easy-to-read test strips designed specifically for use with CIDEX OPA Solution are available to measure the minimum effective concentration (MEC). ASP recommends testing for the MEC prior to each use.
   
   
6. What are the material compatibility characteristics of CIDEX OPA Solution?
   CIDEX OPA 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 Solution material compatibility section.
   
   
7. What are the advantages of CIDEX OPA Solution vs glutaraldehyde and peracetic acid?
   CIDEX OPA Solution has 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 Solution is undetectable at room temperature).
   
   CIDEX OPA 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 Solution reprocesses more devices per gallon than glutaraldehyde, with no need for activation or mixing. The solution is effective even against glutaraldehyde-resistant mycobacteria.
   
   
8. What are the appropriate procedures for handling CIDEX OPA Solution during pregnancy?
   According to the toxicity section of the Materials Safety Data Sheet, CIDEX OPA Solution is not reported to produce mutagenic, embryotoxic, teratogenic, or reproductive effects in humans. For further information, an OB/GYN should be consulted.
   
   
9. 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 room temperature (20°C) for manual reprocessing
   • CIDEX PLUS 28 Day Solution: 20 minutes at 25°C
   • CIDEX Activated Dialdehyde Solution: 45 minutes at 25°C
   
   * When used or reused in a legally marketed automatic endoscope reprocessor that can be set to a minimum of 25°C according to the directions for use.
   
   
10. Do I need to wear gloves when using CIDEX OPA Solution?
    When disinfecting devices, use gloves of appropriate type. The user should double glove and/or change single gloves frequently (eg, 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.
    
    
11. What are the appropriate disposal and ventilation procedures for CIDEX OPA Solution?
    CIDEX OPA Solution may be disposed of as an ordinary domestic waste in most states. Please check disposal requirements with your local agency or with ASP Customer Support at 888-783-7723 or email aspservices@aspus.jnj.com. Because CIDEX OPA 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 Solution. For more information, please contact ASP Customer Support at 888-783-7723 or email aspservices@aspus.jnj.com.
    
    
12. What is ASP’s recommendation for cleaning up spilled CIDEX OPA 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.
    
    
13. 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. Knowledgeable technical support representatives will work quickly to identify and resolve your technical issues. For technical support, please call ASP Customer Support at 888-783-7723 or email aspservices@aspus.jnj.com.
    
    
14. How do I order CIDEX OPA Solution and supplies?
    A complete description of CIDEX OPA Solution and supplies is available within this site. To order, please contact your local distributor.

For more information about CIDEX OPA Solution, please call ASP Customer Support at 888-783-7723 or email aspservices@aspus.jnj.com.

* When used or reused in a legally marketed automatic endoscope reprocessor that can be set to a minimum of 25°C according to the directions for use.

1. Hession SM. Endoscope disinfection by ortho-phthalaldehyde in a clinical setting: an evaluation of processing time and costs compared with glutaraldehyde. Poster presented at Society of Gastroenterology Nurses and Associates; May 18-23, 2001; Tampa, Fla.
2. CIDEX OPA Solution Case History Series No. 2 (2002); Sullivan & Associates.