How do I Sterilize Rubber Rectal Tubes?

Glutaraldehyde presents a relatively simple way to sterilize rubber tubes.

When it comes to inserting objects into your body, sterilization is important--and not only for things made of metal. Rubber, too, should be sterilized--especially if it is to be used more than once. This goes for rubber rectal tubes, which are inserted into the anus as part of an enema. Fortunately, sterilizing rubber rectal tubes isn't overly complicated.

Things You'll Need

• Saline water
• Rubber gloves
• Sterile container
• Glutaraldehyde solution
• Metal prongs

Instructions

1. Rinse your rubber rectal tubes thoroughly in saline water.

2. Put on a pair of rubber gloves. The chemical you will be handling to sterilize your rubber rectal tubes can damage the skin with contact.

3. Pour some glutaraldehyde solution (available in any drugstore, pharmacy, or online) into a sterile container--perhaps a small metal basin. Make sure that the solution is well out of reach of children and situated in a well-ventilated area.

4. Submerge your rubber rectal tubes in the glutaraldehyde solution. Keep the tubes submerged for at least ten hours to allow for complete sterilization. The rubber gloves are a must, of course, though you may want to additionally use a small metal prong to place the tubes in the solution, then remove them (see Step 5).

5. Remove the rubber rectal tubes from the glutaraldehyde solution and thoroughly rinse once more with saline water. Allow the tubes to dry before using them.

References

• "Sterilization Techniques." MA Exam Help.
• "Guideline for Disinfection and Sterilization in Healthcare Facilities, 2008." Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.