Bone and tendons for transplant are decontaminated by _.
A peroxygens
B ethylene oxide
C plasma sterilization
D glutaraldehyde
E supercritical fluids
The correct answer and explanation is:
The correct answer is D. glutaraldehyde.
Bone and tendons intended for transplant are typically decontaminated using glutaraldehyde. Glutaraldehyde is a chemical sterilizing agent that is effective at inactivating bacteria, viruses, fungi, and spores. It works by cross-linking the proteins of microorganisms, thus preventing them from reproducing and rendering them harmless. Glutaraldehyde is a popular choice for sterilizing biological tissues, as it can penetrate tissues, providing thorough disinfection without causing significant damage to the structural integrity of the tissues.
The reason glutaraldehyde is commonly used for bone and tendon decontamination lies in its ability to achieve a balance between effective sterilization and tissue preservation. The use of glutaraldehyde is carefully controlled to avoid excessive tissue damage, as higher concentrations or prolonged exposure can lead to undesirable cross-linking of tissue proteins, potentially affecting the biomechanical properties of the tissue.
For bone and tendon transplants, ensuring the donor tissues are free from pathogens is crucial to minimize the risk of transmitting infections to the recipient. Glutaraldehyde is one of the most reliable methods for sterilizing these tissues, as it ensures a high level of safety for recipients.
Other methods like peroxygens (A) and ethylene oxide (B) are used for sterilizing medical devices and equipment but are less commonly applied to biological tissues due to the need for specific conditions for efficacy and safety. Plasma sterilization (C) is also a method used for medical devices but, like peroxygens and ethylene oxide, it is less suited for decontaminating tissues. Supercritical fluids (E) are an emerging sterilization technology but are not yet widely used for biological tissue sterilization.