MetriCide's glutaraldehyde formulas are the workhorses of manual cold sterilization. The original MetriCide (10-1400) requires activation and gives you up to 14 days of reuse, while MetriCide 28 (10-2805, 10-2800) extends reuse to 28 days and comes in both 32 oz. and 1-gallon sizes. MetriCide Plus 30 (10-3200) offers a 28-day reuse window with a faster contact profile. All share a fruity scent that's noticeably easier on staff than raw glutaraldehyde.

If your facility is moving away from glutaraldehyde, MetriCide OPA (10-6000) uses ortho-phthalaldehyde — no activation step, a broader material compatibility, and up to 30 days of reuse for manual soaking. Many sites choose OPA specifically to reduce fumes and simplify the workflow.

A reusable disinfectant is only effective until its minimum recommended concentration drops below the effective level — and that can happen before the reuse-day limit is reached. MetriCide OPA Plus Pad test strips (10-602), 100 single-use tests per bottle, let you verify the solution is still at working strength before each cycle. Testing at each use is what keeps your reprocessing defensible during inspection.

Match the formula to your instrument manufacturer's IFU, confirm your soak trays and ventilation are appropriate, and keep test strips stocked alongside the disinfectant. For related supplies, browse our full Disinfectants and Infection Control collections.