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S T E R I L E
P R O C E S S I N G
requirements.1
To address these concerns, you can use a biological indicator with a
1-hour turnaround; flash in a rigid container designed to allow steam penetration, as near to the OR as possible; and extend the exposure time "to
ensure lethality comparable to sterilized wrapped items (for example, 4
minutes at 132°C)."1
It's important to remember that, once a flashed item is exposed to air,
it will eventually become contaminated — so you should remove the
screws in this scenario as near to the time of use as possible.
However, clinical burns are possible with items that haven't cooled
properly.1 Air-cooling is acceptable, but you can use immersion in a
sterile liquid such as saline to cool the flashed items and minimize airexposure contamination.
— Linda R. Greene, RN, MPS, CIC
Reference
1. Rutala WA, Weber DJ; Healthcare Infection Control Practices Advisory
Committee. Guideline for Disinfection and Sterilization in Healthcare
Facilities, 2008. Atlanta, GA: Department of Health and Human Services,
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2008. Available from
www.cdc.gov/hicpac/pdf/guidelines/Disinfection_Nov_2008.pdf.
Ms. Greene (linda.greene@rochestergeneral.org) is the director of infection prevention for Rochester (N.Y.) General Health System.
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