Evaluation of formaldehyde tablet numbers used in sterilization surgical instruments and its comparison with standard numbers

Formaldehyde tablet is one of the cold sterilization methods that commonly use in operating rooms. As incorrect usage of them can lead some problems like; sever eye and respiratory induce and lung canser. this search designed to compare the number of formaldehyde tablets that use for surgical sterilization with standard amount. It was a descriptive, analytic survey. The samples obtain from metal container in Ghaem, Imamreza and Khatam hospitals that include formaldehyde tablets. The tablet of container counted and compare with standard amount. At the same time a questionnaire about staff knowledge completed. Data analyze was done by use of t-pair test. Almost all of staff (96.31) had not any education about how use the formaldehyde. About (60%) of staff use protective glass, gloves and mask when changed the tablets, and non of then use air conditioner at time. T- paired test shows a significant difference between routine and standard amount of formaldehyde tablets that use in this operating rooms. As the formaldehyde has side effect, and there is less notification to correct use of this material, the replacement of it with a safety one like glutaraldehyde or education about how it use in a proper way, is recommended.