Sterilization

Effects of Non-Condensable Gases (NCGs) on Steam Sterilisation Processes

by

Read the full text: Effects of Non Condensable Gases on Sterilization

Summary:

A gravity displacement (class N) steam sterilization process can not reliably remove gases from hollow or porous items, resulting in areas that do not get sterilized, and the failure of the load. They should not be used for body jewelry, needles, tattoo tubes or textiles.

REVIEW

395 CENTRAL SERVICE Volume 13 2005

ZENTRAL STERILISATION

Effects of Non-Condensable Gases (NCGs) on Steam Sterilisation Processes

U. Kaiser

Keywords

  • steam sterilisation process
  • non-condensable gases (NCGs)
  • process challenge device (PCD)

Introduction

The dangers posed by non-condensable gases (NCGs) in steam sterilisation processes have long been underestimated. Biological indicators, or the best chemical indicators on the market, do not signal the presence of a NCG content of up to 10% in a sterilisation process so long as there is mixing of steam and NCGs in the sterilisation chamber.

Read more

Water quality; staining of sterile packaging; soil detection devices

by

March 2013 – CS Solutions.

Water quality; staining of sterile packaging; soil detection devices

by Ray Taurasi

Q I work in a small rural hospital in New Hampshire. We only have one OR and one sterilizer and no automated washers. All of our instruments and other reprocessable items are manually cleaned. I have noticed at times, especially during the winter months, our tap water has a cloudy color. Since we use tap water to clean our instruments and to mix with our chemical disinfectants, I was wondering if the water is safe to use or if it can damage our instruments.

A In the winter time in cold regions such as New Hampshire, the water coming into the hospital is extremely colder than the inside temperature and your water may have a milky or cloudy appearance. The reason for this is that cold water holds more oxygen than warmer water does.

Read more

Bravo

by

Welcome to Bravo! A fractionated vacuum autoclave from SciCan Buy a Bravo now     BRAVO chamber autoclave   Features Fractionated vacuum system 17L or 21L chamber capacity Intelligent closed door drying Integrated datalogger Industry leading cycle times Single use Pull’n Push water system 2 Year warranty The BRAVO fractionated vacuum chamber autoclave continues the … Read more

Disposable wrap

by

Can unused wrapped items be re-sterilized reusing the original wraps?

When unused sterile instrument sets are returned from the OR or patient floors our policy is to re-sterilize the sets. Since these were unopened we inspect the wrap to be sure there are no holes, replace the tapes and labeling and re-sterilize the item.

Read more

Returning jewelry(explants) to clients

by
Do not buy or sell used body jewelry brnskll dot com

An interesting observation on safety issues raised in returning contaminated items such as jewelry to clients, as voiced by this medical professional’s concerns for their patients. It is evident that infection control measures should be carefully considered when previously worn jewelry or other contaminated personal items are to be returned to a customer.

Please regard the discussion in the comments below

Question

I am an OR nurse and recently started a new job in a prestigious orthopedic hospital. At the request of a surgeon or patient when implants are removed we have been cleaning and flashing them  and returning them to the patient in a plastic bag.

[NOTE: Flashing is an outdated term for sterilizing items unwrapped for immediate use]

https://brnskll.com/shares/flash-faq/

Read more

Sharpies for labeling

by

Can we label sterilization packages with a Sharpie brand marker?

Question

Our staff used to label all of our cardiovascular sets and supplies with a red Sharpie brand permanent marker and we would use a black Sharpie for all other items. This provided a quick and easy method to visually identify these special critical items. The labeling was restricted to the autoclave tape on the outside of wrapped packages and the film side of peel pouches.

Read more

OPTIM 33TB protocol

by

OPTIM 33 TB is a One-Step Cleaner Disinfectant with no hazardous ingredients.

For the modern body artist, OPTIM offers a number of advantages for cleaning and thorough and safe disinfection in one minute for:

  • Temperature sensitive Body jewelry materials for healed piercings
    Such as wood, horn, stone, bone, certain polymers
    Break the chain of infection for MRSA, VRE, HCV, HBV, HIV, Mycobacteria and other pathogens for non-critical items that can not withstand the heat of an autoclave. 
  • Tattoo machine frames, coils, springs, clip cords
  • Mayo trays and other work surfaces
  • Exam tables, massage tables, tattoo chairs
  • Display cases
  • Furniture in your waiting area including fabric covered items.
  • Suspension rigs and equipment

Read more