Effective sterilization is a process that starts with the manufacturer. Once the FDA is satisfied with the safety of a new autoclave or sterilizer design, it becomes the end user’s responsibility to ensure proper operation. Outside technicians can be hired to test and repair equipment, but each healthcare facility is charged with the ultimate safety and sterility of instruments. Patients rely on careful and thorough processing of all reusable materials to prevent cross infection.
A technical data library (in electronic or physical format) gives technicians speedy access to manufacturer’s recommendations for the sterilization of specific devices. In some cases these manuals can also provide alternative methods of disinfection should these become necessary. Sterile processing departments that do not have such a resource are at a distinct disadvantage in their effort to provide efficient and reliable turnaround of critical instruments for their facilities.
Beyond the documents provided by each manufacturer, users also need the AAMI’s Comprehensive Guide to Steam Sterilization and Sterility Assurance in Healthcare Facilities (ST-79). Such a guide is designed to help any facility meet minimum national standards. There are also many overviews and tips available from reputable online sources. Infection Control Today’s recent article regarding common mistakes and solutions in SPD is an example of such a resource.
Sterility In Healthcare Environments Is Urgent
The recent outbreak and quick spread of the new 2009 H1N1 flu virus reminds us that effective infection control procedures need to be in place before the fact, not just during or after. Proactive measures are the best guard against new opportunistic pathogens. Containment is simply not a realistic option once a large enough community is affected. While frequent hand washing is the most effective mechanism to slow the spread of an ongoing flu epidemic, other bugs require more stringent regularly scheduled sanitization of equipment. Some new pathogens are likely to be more deadly than the one currently making its rounds even if the new lethal one does not spread so readily. It is important to err on the side of caution.
Just as SARS and bird flu were serious warnings to the medical communities in Asian countries a few years ago, this luckily and relatively mild new flu strain is currently a rude wake-up call for Western and European nations. We had such warnings in the past. The dramatic spread of the deadly 1918 flu virus came in three different waves. Each proceeded as another mutation occurred. The first wave of infection was from a mild form, similar in some respect to the new one we are confronted with today. Subsequent waves were far deadlier.
The current imminent pandemic will likely unfold in unexpected ways. We don’t know whether this pandemic will continue in a similar fashion as the 1918 virus or not. These events are somewhat naturally unpredictable. Flu season is almost over in the northern hemisphere. It is still possible that slowing the flu epidemic down will allow it to fizzle out. As temperatures rise above 80 degrees Fahrenheit, the virus cannot easily spread. But the season is just beginning in the southern hemisphere. It may die a natural death through adequate and normal infection control procedures that should be in place at all times. Or it could come back with a vengeance after the summer heat is over.
If you are responsible for keeping up with current requirements for sterile processing and believe your equipment needs to be upgraded, please read our free report.