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where they are to be used. The late arrival of the instruments should
not be used as a reason for using IUSS. The facility and the vendor
should have a process for requesting and delivering the instruments to
the facility.
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8. When can I use immediate-use steam sterilization?
Only when the device manufacturer's written instructions for use
include instructions for IUSS. The instructions should include the
requirements for cleaning, cycle type, exposure times, temperature
settings and drying times if required. In addition to the device manu-
facturer's written instructions, you must follow the containment
device manufacturer's written instructions for use. Only use a contain-
ment device that has been validated for IUSS and cleared by the FDA
for this purpose. When performing IUSS, place the instruments in the
device in a manner that lets steam contact all instrument surfaces.
After the sterilization process is complete, take measures to prevent
contamination during transfer to the sterile field. Immediately use the
items that have been sterilized using IUSS; don't store them for later
use or hold them from one procedure to another.
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9. I was told to just quickly wash the scissors that were dropped on the floor,
in the scrub sink. Is this the correct thing to do?
No. You should perform all instrument decontamination in an area
intended, designed and equipped for decontamination activities and
not in scrub sinks. Follow the same decontamination process used for
terminal sterilization for items to be steam-sterilized for immediate
use. Review the manufacturer's written instructions for decontamina-
tion before decontamination to determine the exact process that's
safe to use. The manufacturer's written instructions for use may
S T E R I L I Z A T I O N
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