Which statement best describes glutaraldehyde in dental disinfection?

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Glutaraldehyde is used for immersion disinfection of heat‑sensitive dental instruments, and it is classified by the EPA as a high‑level disinfectant. This level means it’s capable of destroying most microorganisms with the proper contact time, though it isn’t a routine surface sanitizer. It’s not a low‑level disinfectant, and calling it a sterilant for all instruments is misleading; sterilization with glutaraldehyde depends on very specific conditions and is limited to items that can be immersed for the required duration.