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Bowie-Dick (Air-Removal) tests evaluate the performance of prevacuum sterilizers by confirming adequate air removal from the sterilizer chamber. These air removal tests have been improved over the years, but you may be wondering...
Read MoreChemical Indicators (CIs), as defined by AAMI and ISO, are devices used to monitor the presence or attainment of one or more of the parameters required for a satisfactory sterilization process or used in a specific test of sterilization equipment. For example, when placed inside packs, CIs are used to confirm that sterilant achieved good penetration in the items being sterilized. CIs are used as...
Read MoreAmbulatory surgery center (ASC) caseloads are growing 6% to 7% each year1 with orthopedic, cardio, and spine procedures growing the fastest. Combine that with ASC procedure costs that are 35% to 50% lower than at a hospital2, the future becomes clear: ASCs will likely become a more popular choice for many...
Read MoreBiological indicators (BIs), as defined by ANSI/AAMI and ISO, are test systems containing viable microorganisms providing a defined resistance to a specific sterilization process. A biological indicator provides information on whether necessary conditions were met to kill...
Read MoreAutoclaves are also known as steam sterilizers, and are typically used for healthcare or industrial applications. An autoclave is a machine that uses steam under pressure to kill harmful bacteria, viruses, fungi, and spores on items that are placed inside a pressure vessel. The items are heated to an appropriate sterilization temperature for a given amount of time. The moisture in the steam efficiently transfers heat...
Read MoreThere are three types of steam sterilization cycles recognized by the Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI). They are gravity, prevacuum and steam flush pressure pulse (SFPP). These cycles differ in the way air is removed from the load during conditioning and may have different exposure times depending on the type of...
Read MoreHydrogen peroxide sterilization is a low temperature sterilization process commonly used in the application of sterilizing medical devices, often used to sterilize heat-sensitive devices. A hydrogen peroxide sterilization cycle typically requires less time than alternative forms of sterilization, such as steam sterilization. A hydrogen peroxide sterilization process involves...
Read MoreSteam sterilization has many benefits as a sterilization method in healthcare facilities including low cost, safety, and efficacy. When processing heat and moisture stable materials...
Read MoreThe Sterile Processing Department (SPD), also known as the Central Sterile Services Department (CSSD), is the area in a hospital where cleaning and sterilization of devices used in medical procedures takes place. The processes an instrument goes through....
Read MoreAn enzymatic cleaner is used in healthcare facilities to aid in the cleaning and decontamination of medical devices and other medical equipment and utensils. Enzymatic cleaners used in the Endoscopy and Sterile Processing Departments may be better known as enzymatic detergents, because they contain surfactants designed to...
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