The publication by Jullian-Desayes et al is most interesting and welcome. Whilst highlighting the decontamination processes which can be used [...], the paper highlights some of the additional considerations which must be made other than the choice of decontamination process itself.
The present study investigated the formation and fixation of silicate deposits during steam sterilization. First, transfer of silicic acid from the feed water into the sterilization steam onto the sterile supplies was analysed in theory by comparing the process parameters of all substeps of a typical steam sterilization process with a solubility diagram for silicic acid in water and in steam.
The Bowie-Dick (BD) test is performed daily as well as in the weekly, quarterly, annual and revalidation tests. When an autoclave undergoes a maintenance or repair procedure, the autoclave should return to service in a short time in the busy environment of acute care units: an operating theater and so on.
Part 10 of the publication Requirements for Construction or Reconstruction of a Reprocessing Unit for Medical Devices (RUMED) focuses on compressed air for medical use, generally known simply as medical compressed air. Part 11: Heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system in a RUMED
From the Field
Background: Recent incidents of infections received from contaminated arthroscopic shavers and flexible endoscopes have led to changes in how sterile processing professionals visually inspect these medical devices. Certain shaver manufacturers have updated their Instructions for Use (IFU) to require the use of additional tools to inspect their medical devices.
Materials and methods: This three-phase study explores the development and implementation of new technologies in the area of enhanced visual inspection of medical devices. Phase 1 examines the results of surveys taken on the process of visual inspection of orthopedic shavers. Phase 2 outlines results of a small-scale inspection of orthopedic shavers in healthcare facilities.
Phase 3 details the implementation and inspection results of a borescopic examination step added into the processing procedures for a large health care facility.
Background: Recent incidents of infections received from contaminated arthroscopic shavers and flexible endoscopes have led to changes in how sterile processing professionals visually inspect these medical devices. Certain shaver manufacturers have updated their Instructions for Use (IFU) to require the use of additional tools to inspect their medical devices.
Materials and methods: This three-phase study explores the development and implementation of new technologies in the area of enhanced visual inspection of medical devices. Phase 1 examines the results of surveys taken on the process of visual inspection of orthopedic shavers. Phase 2 outlines results of a small-scale inspection of orthopedic shavers in healthcare facilities.
Phase 3 details the implementation and inspection results of a borescopic examination step added into the processing procedures for a large health care facility.
Cardiff, 16 – 17 April 2018
London, 21 – 22 February 2018
10th Hamburg Symposium of Chemische Fabrik Dr. Weigert GmbH, 22 February 2018
18th World Sterilization Congress in Bonn, Germany organized by the DGSV and the World Federation WFHSS