sterile storage innovations that integrate sin-
gle-layer storage and removable transfer
racks can help facilities put an end to one of
the biggest infection control challenges in sur-
gical instrument storage.
3. Rapid read biological indica-
tors
For many years now, the primary method to
challenge the efficacy of low-temperature
sterilization was to use biological indicators
(BIs) with a 24-hour incubation period. As
John Rowe, sterile processing manager at
University Health System in San Antonio,
Texas, explains, unless the items were proper-
ly quarantined, this was basically a 24-hour
window where a scope or camera could be
used multiple times, on multiple patients
without knowing there was a sterilizer
failure.
Even though guidelines advised to quaran-
tine medical devices until the BI incubation
period had ended, few sterile processing
departments had either sufficient inventory or
commitment to abide by the 24-hour timeline
for their low temperature-sterilized devices.
Mr. Rowe notes that any positive biological
finding would have resulted in a recall of
instruments that were likely to have already
been used on surgical patients.
J U N E 2 0 1 8 • O U T PA T I E N T S U R G E R Y. N E T • 4 5
9 Orchard, Suite 111
Lake Forest, CA 92630
www.optisurgical.com
info@optisurgical.com
Call AOI for Information
800.576.1266 or
949.580.1266
Instrument Rinse System
®
• For instruments with lumen
and tubing
• Provides consistent rinsing
pressure and volume
regardless of the operator
• Eliminates hand fatigue caused
by repetitive syringe use
• Frees up your hands to perform
other tasks, greatly improving
the speed and efficiency of
your reprocessing department
Still rinsing
with a syringe?
Use the
