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Methods of reprocessing complex medical equipment.

J R Babb1

  • 1Hospital Infection Research Laboratory, Dudley Road Hospital, Birmingham.

The Journal of Hospital Infection
|February 1, 1988
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

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See all related articles

Choosing between low-temperature steam (LTSF) and ethylene oxide (EO) sterilization for hospitals is complex. LTSF is safer but less reliable, while EO poses environmental risks and higher costs, often making disinfectants a practical alternative.

Area of Science:

  • Medical Device Sterilization
  • Hospital Infection Control
  • Healthcare Engineering

Background:

  • Hospitals face challenges selecting appropriate sterilization methods for medical instruments.
  • Gaseous sterilization processes like low-temperature steam (LTSF) and ethylene oxide (EO) have distinct advantages and disadvantages.
  • The need for effective decontamination, especially for blood-stained instruments, drives interest in alternative methods.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the suitability of LTSF and EO sterilization for hospital settings.
  • To compare the efficacy, safety, and cost-effectiveness of different sterilization and disinfection methods.
  • To provide guidance on selecting appropriate reprocessing methods based on hospital needs and item types.

Main Methods:

Related Experiment Videos

  • Comparative analysis of LTSF and EO sterilization processes.
  • Review of sterilization equipment limitations and operational considerations.
  • Assessment of alternative disinfection methods, including sporicidal agents and heat treatment.

    • Main Results:

    • LTSF is safe and inexpensive but has a poor sterilization track record; EO is more reliable but has greater environmental hazards and higher costs.
    • Both gaseous processes are time-consuming, often making sporicidal disinfectants like glutaraldehyde a practical alternative.
    • For inexpensive single-use items or those requiring only disinfection, expensive gas sterilizers are not recommended.

    Conclusions:

    • Hospital sterilization choices depend on throughput, alternative process availability, and item type.
    • Sharing facilities or offering regional services may be cost-effective.
    • Disinfectants, hot water, steam, and heat treatment (boilers, ovens, autoclaves) remain crucial for reprocessing, especially outside central sterile supply departments.